Stone will be laid for Akhanda Godavari project on June 19, says Andhra Pradesh Tourism Minister Kandula Durgesh

A view of the Havelock bridge across the Godavari in Rajamahendravaram. | Photo Credit: File Photo

Tourism Minister Kandula Durgesh on Friday said the Central government-sponsored Akhanda Godavari Project would usher in fresh charm in the areas surrounding the Godavari.

In a statement, Mr. Durgesh said that Deputy Chief Minister K. Pawan Kalyan and BJP MP Daggubati Purandeswari would lay the foundation stone for the project on June 19.

He said the ₹97 crore sanctioned for the project under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI)-2024-25 scheme would be utilised to develop tourism infrastructure in Rajamahendravaram, Dowleswaram, Kadiyam, Kovvur, Nidadavolu, and surrounding areas. The works were expected to be completed before the upcoming Godavari Pushkarams, he said.

Modernisation of Havelock Bridge

The 127-year-old Havelock Bridge, a symbol of historical and cultural heritage, would be modernised by adding new features such as waterfalls, glass bridges, gaming zone, space-themed experiences, Urban Haat craft bazar, hanging gardens, hologram zoo, time travel exhibits, rail museum and aquarium tunnels.

The Minister said the nearby Pushkar Ghat would be upgraded to make it a significant spiritual destination, enhancing connectivity between the bridge and the ghat to form a dynamic tourist destination. The surrounding temples would also be developed with aesthetic architectural design to usher in spiritual ambience for year-round pilgrimage, he said.

The famous Kadiyam nurseries, one of the largest in the country, would also be developed into a tourist attraction. The Godavari canals and the culturally significant locations in the vicinity would be restored and beautified, Mr. Durgesh said, adding that tourists would have boating and leisure rides to spend fun moments.

He said the Sri Kota Sattemma temple at Timmarajupalem in Nidadavolu mandal, a prominent ancient spiritual centre known for its grand entrance and towering ‘rajagopuram’, would be given a facelift by construction of additional pilgrim accommodation facilities and by modernising the ‘rajagopuram’.

Published - June 06, 2025 07:05 pm IST