Akhanda Godavari project launched to promote tourism in Godavari districts

The work on the ambitious 'Akhanda Godavari' project, aimed at transforming the adjacent Pushkar Ghat into a spiritual hub by integrating it with over century-old Havelock Bridge and neighbouring temples for round-the-year inflow of tourists was launched by Union Minister for Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat here on Thursday.

The project is envisaged for reconstruction of Havelock bridge, continuous performance of Harati to Godavari, giving a new look to Kota Sattemma Talli temple at Nidadavole and several tourism projects costing Rs.375 crore.The tourist influx is estimated to provide jobs to 8,000 to 9,000 initially. The project has been sanctioned funds under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASK) giving a new look to the Godavari catchment area with the erection of 54 spans over a length of 2.7 km.

Gaming zones, theme parks, glass bridges, waterfalls, hanging gardens, hologram zoos, rail museum and aquarium tunnels and rail museums are planned as part of tourism promotion. The old Godavari bridge known as Haverlock Bridge, which has been decommissioned, was thrown open to the public 1900.

In a post on X, Shekhawat later said "Wonderful to be in Rajamahendravaram alongwith Andhra Pradesh Dy CM Shri @PawanKalyan garu to participate in laying the foundation stone of the “Akhanda Godavari” project. At a cost of ₹94.44 crore, this transformative cultural-tourism project under the SASCI scheme will revitalize the iconic Havelock Bridge, redevelop Pushkar Ghat, create a Kadiyam Nursery Experience Centre, and enhance pilgrim infrastructure at Nidadavolu," he said. .

The Minister said the project will boost heritage tourism ushering in a new era for Godavari’s spiritual and economic landscape.

The project is expected to be completed before the Godavari Pushkaralu slated in 2027 so as to make this city known for its rich cultural heritage, inot a popular tourist spot.

Later in his address, Shekhawat said under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, tourism development has been given a top priority to increase revenue and create employment opportunities for the locals. He said Andhra Pradesh has several locations to attract more tourists.

Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan said many considered Rajamahendravaram city, known for giving birth to Dokka Seethamma, as the Annapurna of Andhra Pradesh and several artists and scholars like Nanayya. He said once the Akhanda Godavari project is completed, the city will attract at least four tourists per annum. He praised the Centre and the double-engine government for encouraging development in various sectors and stopping privatisation of Andhra Pradesh.

AP Tourism Minister Kandula Durgesh,said once the project is completed, tourism will not only be confined to Rajamahednravam but also encourage a number of tourist fallout to both the Godavari districts.

Rajamahendravaram MP Daggubati Purandeswari and Minister for Water Resources Nimmala Ramanaidu also spoke.