Centre responds ‘positively’ to A.P.’s new tourism projects

Andhra Pradesh Tourism Minister Kandula Durgesh on Thursday described his meeting with Union Tourism and Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat as positive as the latter responded positively to several key suggestions aimed at strengthening tourism and cultural infrastructure in the state.

In the meeting held at the Union Minister’s residence, Mr. Durgesh discussed pending tourism and cultural projects and called for their early approval. He also submitted proposals seeking sanctions for nine new tourism projects worth ₹915 crore, the statement said.

Under major Central programs like Swadesh Darshan 2.0 and PRASAD, Mr. Durgesh sought funds to develop iconic tourism destinations and strengthen spiritual tourism circuits. He highlighted the progress of ongoing Central projects worth ₹430 crore and sought ₹120.04 crore for vibrant waterfront development in Machilipatnam.

Funding proposals for temple development have also been submitted under the PRASAD programme, including projects in Mangalagiri, Arasavalli, Korukonda and Vadapalli. Additional proposals included ₹ 103.05 crore for tourism and cultural infrastructure in Lepakshi and ₹ 99.87 crore to enhance tourism experiences in Lambasingi and ₹ 77.32 crore for tent city development in key Buddhist areas across the state.

The Minister urged the Center to develop Tirupati and Visakhapatnam into global tourism destinations and sought support for setting up a National Hospitality Institute in Amaravati. He also discussed the issue of reprinting the historical ‘Suryarayandhra Nighantuvu’ (dictionary) as per the suggestions of Deputy Chief Minister K. Pawan Kalyan.

Suggestions for cultural development included establishing a National School of Drama in Rajamahendravaram, setting up regional centers for the Indian Council for Cultural Relations and Lalit Kala Akademi, and building a Kalakshetra auditorium at the Ghantasala College of Music in Vijayawada. It also sought assistance of ₹ 100 crore to set up an Integrated Tourism Experience and Knowledge Center in Amaravati.

The Minister thanked the Center for its continuous support and expressed confidence that approval of these projects will significantly boost the tourism and cultural profile of Andhra Pradesh.

He reiterated that in line with the vision of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, the State government is committed to transform Andhra Pradesh into a major tourism hub through improved infrastructure, transport facilities and enhanced visitor experiences.