Stone will be laid for Akhanda Godavari project on June 19, says Andhra Pradesh Tourism Minister Kandula Durgesh
Tourism Minister Kandula Durgesh on Friday said the Central government-sponsored Akhanda Godavari Project would usher in fresh charm in the areas surrounding the Godavari.
In a statement, Mr. Durgesh said that Deputy Chief Minister K. Pawan Kalyan and BJP MP Daggubati Purandeswari would lay the foundation stone for the project on June 19.
He said the ₹97 crore sanctioned for the project under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI)-2024-25 scheme would be utilised to develop tourism infrastructure in Rajamahendravaram, Dowleswaram, Kadiyam, Kovvur, Nidadavolu, and surrounding areas. The works were expected to be completed before the upcoming Godavari Pushkarams, he said.
Modernisation of Havelock Bridge
The 127-year-old Havelock Bridge, a symbol of historical and cultural heritage, would be modernised by adding new features such as waterfalls, glass bridges, gaming zone, space-themed experiences, Urban Haat craft bazar, hanging gardens, hologram zoo, time travel exhibits, rail museum and aquarium tunnels.
The Minister said the nearby Pushkar Ghat would be upgraded to make it a significant spiritual destination, enhancing connectivity between the bridge and the ghat to form a dynamic tourist destination. The surrounding temples would also be developed with aesthetic architectural design to usher in spiritual ambience for year-round pilgrimage, he said.
The famous Kadiyam nurseries, one of the largest in the country, would also be developed into a tourist attraction. The Godavari canals and the culturally significant locations in the vicinity would be restored and beautified, Mr. Durgesh said, adding that tourists would have boating and leisure rides to spend fun moments.
He said the Sri Kota Sattemma temple at Timmarajupalem in Nidadavolu mandal, a prominent ancient spiritual centre known for its grand entrance and towering 'rajagopuram', would be given a facelift by construction of additional pilgrim accommodation facilities and by modernising the 'rajagopuram'.
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New Indian Express
4 hours ago
- New Indian Express
Andhra Dy CM Pawan Kalyan to lay foundation for Akhanda Godavari project
VIJAYAWADA: Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan and MP Daggubati Purandeswari will lay the foundation stone for the ambitious Akhanda Godavari tourism project, which has received Central support, Tourism Minister Kandula Durgesh said. The Rs 97 crore project, sanctioned under the SASCI-2024-25 (Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment) scheme, aims to transform Rajamahendravaram, Dowleswaram, Kadiyam, Kovvur and Nidadavolu into vibrant cultural and spiritual tourism hubs, he said. Durgesh said the development works will be completed ahead of the upcoming Godavari Pushkaralu, enhancing both infrastructure and visitor experience. The development proposals include the modernisation of the 127-year-old Havelock Bridge with attractions like waterfalls, a glass bridge, gaming zones, a space theme park, a hologram zoo, a time-travel experience, a rail museum, and aquarium tunnels. Adjacent Pushkar Ghat will be developed into a spiritual destination, integrating it with Havelock Bridge, and nearby temples for year-round spiritual tourism. Historical and cultural sites along the river will be restored to reflect their former glory, he explained.

The Hindu
a day ago
- The Hindu
Stone will be laid for Akhanda Godavari project on June 19, says Andhra Pradesh Tourism Minister Kandula Durgesh
Tourism Minister Kandula Durgesh on Friday said the Central government-sponsored Akhanda Godavari Project would usher in fresh charm in the areas surrounding the Godavari. In a statement, Mr. Durgesh said that Deputy Chief Minister K. Pawan Kalyan and BJP MP Daggubati Purandeswari would lay the foundation stone for the project on June 19. He said the ₹97 crore sanctioned for the project under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI)-2024-25 scheme would be utilised to develop tourism infrastructure in Rajamahendravaram, Dowleswaram, Kadiyam, Kovvur, Nidadavolu, and surrounding areas. The works were expected to be completed before the upcoming Godavari Pushkarams, he said. Modernisation of Havelock Bridge The 127-year-old Havelock Bridge, a symbol of historical and cultural heritage, would be modernised by adding new features such as waterfalls, glass bridges, gaming zone, space-themed experiences, Urban Haat craft bazar, hanging gardens, hologram zoo, time travel exhibits, rail museum and aquarium tunnels. The Minister said the nearby Pushkar Ghat would be upgraded to make it a significant spiritual destination, enhancing connectivity between the bridge and the ghat to form a dynamic tourist destination. The surrounding temples would also be developed with aesthetic architectural design to usher in spiritual ambience for year-round pilgrimage, he said. The famous Kadiyam nurseries, one of the largest in the country, would also be developed into a tourist attraction. The Godavari canals and the culturally significant locations in the vicinity would be restored and beautified, Mr. Durgesh said, adding that tourists would have boating and leisure rides to spend fun moments. He said the Sri Kota Sattemma temple at Timmarajupalem in Nidadavolu mandal, a prominent ancient spiritual centre known for its grand entrance and towering 'rajagopuram', would be given a facelift by construction of additional pilgrim accommodation facilities and by modernising the 'rajagopuram'.


New Indian Express
a day ago
- New Indian Express
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