Kondapalli Fort will be made a major tourist centre: Chandrababu Naidu

Vijayawada: Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Monday announced that Kondapalli Fort Development Authority (KFDA) will be set up to develop the historical fort as one of the important forts in the country and important tourist centre in Andhra Pradesh.

Naidu inaugurated the renovated Kondapalli Fort on Monday and expressed satisfaction over the renovated work particularly the Durbar Hall, which has been converted into a museum by the Department of Archaeology and Museums at a cost of Rs 9.5 crore.

The renovation works will give boost to promote tourism in the capital region of Amaravati. The department has renovated the Durbar hall, provided ample parking space for vehicles, enhanced the greenery, strengthened the fort walls and structure of the fort and arranged the sculptures and portraits of the rulers particularly the Quli Qutb Shahi rulers at the museum.

The State government has been trying to develop tourism in the capital region of Amaravati and develop the Fort. Earlier, Pavitra Sangamam, which is located in Ibrahimpatnam was also developed as tourist centre in Ibrahimpatnam mandal.

Located just 20 km from Vijayawada, Kondapalli Fort can attract a large number of visitors with developmental works taken up by the Department of Archaeology and Museums.

Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu said Kondapalli Fort would be developed at a cost of Rs 100 crore and Kondapalli Fort Development Authority would be formed with the officials of Archaeology and Museum, Forests and other departments.

He said the Kondapalli Fort has a history of 1,000 years and its architectural beauty reflects the greatness of its rulers and the people who lived in the region during those days.

He pointed out that Kondapalli Fort has a great history and it was ruled by Kakatiyas, Reddys and Qutub Shahis. He said the three-storey fort reflects the grandeur of the fort and it has passage for movement of elephants and horses.

He was impressed with the projection of 3D mappings and portraits of former rulers arranged in Durbar hall. He announced that funds will be allocated for the construction of road for reaching the fort on foot. He said so far only ghat road is available for the visitors and pointed out that second route to the fort is also necessary.

Water Resources Minister Devineni Uma Maheswara Rao, Krishna District Collector B Lakshmikantham, Commissioner of Archaeology & Museums Dr G Vani Mohan and other officials of the Departments of Tourism, Archaeology and Museums attended the event.