Tourism Minister Kandula Durgesh to seek Centre’s approval for major projects

Andhra Pradesh Tourism and Culture Minister Kandula Durgesh is scheduled to meet Union Minister for Tourism and Culture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat on Thursday and brief the Centre on the progress of tourism projects worth about ₹430 crore already under implementation and submit proposals seeking approval for nine new initiatives.

Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) will be presented under flagship schemes such as Swadesh Darshan 2.0 and PRASAD scheme, focusing on development of iconic tourist destinations and strengthening spiritual tourism circuits.

Among the key proposals, the State will seek ₹120.04 crore under Swadesh Darshan 2.0 for Vibrant Beach Front development at Machilipatnam. Under the PRASAD scheme, funds are being sought for development of major temples, including Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple, Mangalagiri (₹95.18 crore) and Sri Surya Narayana Swamy Temple, Arasavalli (₹213.72 crore), besides proposals for temple infrastructure at Sri Ghrishneswara Swamy Temple, Nellore district, Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple, Korukonda, and Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple, Vadapalli.

Additional proposals include ₹103.05 crore for tourism and cultural infrastructure development at Lepakshi, ₹99.87 crore to enhance tourism experience at Lambasingi and ₹77.32 crore for development of tent cities at key Buddhist sites across the State.

The State will also request support to develop Tirupati and Visakhapatnam as global tourism destinations and seek assistance for establishing a National Institute of Hospitality in Amaravati.

The Minister will also seek ₹100 crore for setting up an Integrated Experience, Interpretation and Information Centre (Tourism Bhavan) in Amaravati, in line with the vision of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu to transform Andhra Pradesh into a major tourism hub.

Discussions are also expected on the reprinting of the classical lexicon, ‘Suryarayandhra Nighantuvu’, following suggestions from Deputy Chief Minister K. Pawan Kalyan.