Chiru clears Vizag-Bheemili Beach Circuit

• Sanctions Rs 45.88 cr for the project
• Project to be completed in 18 months
• Will be one of the longest beach roads in India

Venkat Parsa New Delhi: Union Tourism Minister K Chiranjeevi has cleared Visakapatnam-Bheemunipatnam Beach Corridor Mega Circuit in Andhra Pradesh. Chiranjeevi has sanctioned the Central Financial Assistance (CFA) to the tune of Rs 45.88 crore for the development of the mega circuit, which could prove to be the pride of Andhra Pradesh. This ambitious project is expected to be commissioned within18 months. The 24-km beach road from Visakhapatnam to Bheemili is one of the longest beach roads in India. The sun-kissed beaches make the drive along it an enjoyable destination. Bheemili, a sleepy small town, is the second oldest municipality in the country. The project will involve development of tourism facilities at Bheemunipatnam, Erramattidibbalu, Kailashgiri, Mangamaripeta Beach, R K Beach, Thotlakonda, Pavuralakonda, Rushikonda, Bhavikonda and beautification of Beach Corridor Circuit. An amount of Rs 3.2 crore has been released as first instalment of the CFA as an advance for starting the work. The Andhra Pradesh Government shall make land for the project available free of cost and also render all possible assistance for completion of the project in time. No portion of the sanctioned project should be executed/implemented in land/property owned by private individual or trust. The Andhra Pradesh Government shall also set up a Monitoring Committee headed by the Special Chief Secretary (Tourism), with a Member from the Tourism Ministry and the implementing agency to monitor physical and financial progress of the sanctioned project. A report has to be submitted to the Tourism Ministry on a quarterly basis. The Andhra Pradesh Government would get the work executed through the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (APTDC) and shall have the work started immediately to ensure timely utilisation of funds and to avoid escalation of the cost.