Borra Caves to undergo 28 cr facelift
Visakhapatnam: Large-scale development works are set to begin in July at the 150-million-year-old Borra Caves near Araku Valley in Alluri Sitarama Raju district. The 28.5 crore project is being taken up under the Centre's Swadesh Darshan 2.0 scheme.
Borra Caves, a major tourist attraction known for its natural limestone formations, has drawn international attention for over three decades. The Central govt sanctioned funds for its development in February last year, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone. A Detailed Project Report (DPR) was later finalized, and the tender process has now been completed.
Initially, the project faced delays as no contractors came forward due to a clause requiring them to handle long-term maintenance.
With that clause now removed, the project is finally set to take off. Officials said they are focusing on the encroachments around the Borra Caves. Planned work include upgrading electrical lights, repairing stairways, installing an entrance arch and automatic gates, and modernising the existing restaurant.
According to officials, the proposed development encompasses three categories: augmenting the sense of arrival, enhancing the cave precinct, and improving tourist facilities along with beautification inside the cave. Apart from this, there will be the organisation of a vehicular parking area, the introduction of electric vehicle shuttle services and charging points, and the provision of public convenience facilities near the cave entrance.
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