Rs 94.44 crore sanctioned for ‘Akhanda Godavari’

Rajamahendravaram: The Centre has sanctioned Rs 94.44 crore under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) scheme for 2024-25 for the development of Akhanda Godavari tourism project, Tourism Special Chief Secretary SS Rawat informed.

He said the government was taking up comprehensive development of Akhanda Godavari project with the objective of making Andhra Pradesh one of the leading tourism destinations in the country over the next five years.

Rawat, AP Tourism Managing Director Patamshetty Ravi Subhash, East Godavari district Collector Kirti Chekuri and senior officials visited Havelock Bridge and Pushkar Ghat areas in Rajahmundry on Sunday and inspected the proposed development works. They also visited a photo exhibition showcasing the tourism projects proposed in the district.

The 127-year-old Havelock Bridge, spread over 2.7 km with 57 spans, will be developed as a major tourist attraction while preserving its historical heritage.

Plans are being prepared to develop 18 spans with attractions such as waterfalls, a glass bridge, gaming zone, space theme, craft bazaar, hanging gardens, hologram zoo, time-travel experience, rail museum and aquarium tunnel.

Food courts, rest areas, toilets, a toy train and selfie points will also be provided.

Pushkar Ghat, adjoining Havelock Bridge, will be developed as a spiritual tourism centre with facilities for Godavari Harathi, holy bathing and beautification of temples.

Year-round facilities will be created for pilgrims and tourists.

Bridgelanka will be developed as an eco-friendly ‘Tapovanam’ with boating, meditation centres, Ayurveda and wellness facilities and nature-based amenities.

Akhanda Godavari tourism circuit will also cover Kadiyam nurseries, Godavari canals, Settipeta area and Godavari canal at Samisragudem in Nidadavole mandal. Plans are being prepared for beautification and tourism facilities along about 3.12 miles of Samisragudem canal.

The government has also set a target of completing tourism infrastructure development in the district ahead of 2027 Godavari Pushkarams. The integrated development of Havelock Bridge-Pushkar Ghat stretch is aimed at transforming Rajahmundry into an iconic tourism destination.

Joint Collector Y Megha Swaroop, Assistant Collector K Aditya Sharma, RDOs R Sivaramudu and K Anand Rao, Pushkar Deputy Collector Mahesh, Tourism Regional Director NVVS Murthy and Irrigation SE G Srinivas were among those present.

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The Hans India