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 favourably to his several key proposals aimed at strengthening tourism and cultural infrastructure in the State.

During the meeting held at the Union Minister’s residence, Mr. Durgesh discussed pending tourism and cultural projects, and urged their early approval. He also presented proposals seeking sanction for nine new tourism projects worth ₹915 crore, a statement said.

Under major Central schemes such as 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 the ongoing Central projects worth ₹430 crore and sought ₹120.04 crore for vibrant beachfront development in Machilipatnam.

Funding proposals were also submitted for temple development under the PRASAD scheme, including projects in Mangalagiri, Arasavalli, Korukonda and Vadapalli. Additional proposals included ₹103.05 crore for tourism and cultural infrastructure at Lepakshi and ₹99.87 crore to enhance tourism experiences at Lambasingi, along with ₹77.32 crore for tent city development at major Buddhist sites across the State.

The Minister urged the Centre to develop Tirupati and Visakhapatnam into global tourism destinations and sought support for establishing a National Institute of Hospitality in Amaravati. He also discussed the reprinting of the historic ‘Suryarayandhra Nighantuvu’ (dictionary), following suggestions from Deputy Chief Minister K. Pawan Kalyan.

Cultural development proposals included establishing a National School of Drama in Rajamahendravaram, setting up regional centres for the Indian Council for Cultural Relations and Lalit Kala Akademi, and constructing a Kalakshetra auditorium at the Ghantasala Music College in Vijayawada. He also sought ₹100 crore assistance to establish an Integrated Tourism Experience and Information Centre in Amaravati.

The Minister thanked the Centre for its continued support and expressed confidence that approval of these projects would significantly boost Andhra Pradesh’s tourism and cultural profile.

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