AP Release ₹580 Crore for First Phase of 2027 Godavari Pushkaralu Works

 Kakinada: Andhra Pradesh government has released ₹580 crore for the first phase of infrastructure works to ensure that the Godavari Pushkaralu – 2027 at Rajamahendravaram are a success.

Municipal Administration and Urban Development minister P. Narayana announced the release of funds on Saturday while reviewing the ongoing preparations for the pushkaralu at the PGRS Hall, along with ministers, MLAs, MPs, and officials,

Narayana said the funds have been sanctioned under various heads, including the Urban Challenge Fund, Urban Infrastructure Development Fund, Urban Challenge, annuity bonds and other schemes.

The minister said Rajamahendravaram municipal commissioner has been authorised to take up the works, which include permanent infrastructure, such as roads, drainage, drinking water supply, sanitation facilities, and Pushkar ghats. He said priority would be given to project works identified jointly by public representatives and officials. He said the Irrigation, Endowments, and Roads and Buildings departments are also expediting works related to the pushkaralu.

Narayana said the government is focusing on reducing pollution in the Godavari River. As part of the initiative, an underground drainage system would be developed in the city at a cost of ₹140 crore.

The minister pointed out that proposals worth ₹1,500 crore had been submitted to the centre for Godavari Pushkaralu. Of this, ₹580 crore have been sanctioned so far. ₹150 crore is the share of the state government in the total allocation.

Rajamahendravaram MP Daggubati Purandeswari said the government is mobilising resources for the Pushkaralu despite financial constraints. She assured that efforts would continue to secure additional funds from both the centre and the state.

Rajamahendravaram Rural MLA Gorantla Buchaiah Chowdary urged the government to prioritise permanent infrastructures to facilitate the movement of lakhs of devotees expected during the festival. Responding to the suggestion, Narayana said another review meeting could be held in the presence of the Chief Minister if required, and release of additional funds considered.

Rajamahendravaram Urban MLA Adireddy Srinivas said the government is giving priority to the city's development as part of the pushkaralu.

Rajamahendravaram municipal commissioner Rahul Meena made a presentation on the preparations for Godavari Pushkaralu – 2027.

Others who attended the meeting included district collector Kirthi Chekuri, Municipal Administration commissioner P. Sampath Kumar, and joint collector Y. Megha Swaroop.