APTA invites suggestions on utilisation of Rushikonda building in Vizag

Nearly one half years after assuming power, the TDP-led NDA coalition has invited public opinion and concrete proposals from the stakeholders in the hospitality sector on the utilisation of palatial buildings built at Rushikonda hills overlooking the sea here.

The buildings said to have been built lavishly by spending nearly Rs.450 crore during the YSRCP regime to house the Chief Minister's Office (CMO). However, YSRCP district president and former Industries Minister Gudivada Amarnath claimed that it was built to accomodate VVIPs like President of India and Prime Minister during their visits to the City of Destiny.

After change in government in June last year, the complex comprising 13,542 square meters built-up area and lavishly furnished three blocks, banquet halls, a spa and cafeteria with a landscaped garden and a helipad over a hillock after demolishing APTDC Harita Resorts, turned into a white elephant.

It incurs over Rs.3 crore per annum towards maintenance.

In a notification for monetization of of the total complex and adjoining nine acre land at Yendada village, Andhra Pradesh Tourism Authority (APTA) asked the public to submit innovative ideas for sustainable use of the asset.

APTA has also convened a consultative meeting of leading national and international hospitality operators at Vijayawada on October 17. It sought concept notes, Expression of Interest (EoIs) and suggestions from them.

Sources say the authorities have already received eight offers with five Detailed Project Reports (DPRs).

Immediately after Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy Chief Minister K. Pawan Kalyan visited the Rushikonda complex, there was Buzz that the government may throw it open to the public by collecting nominal amount to meet maintenance expenses or allow it for film shootings and destination weddings as well as MICE tourism.