Centre Backs ₹915 Crore Tourism Push In AP, Clears Key Proposals

VIJAYAWADA: The Centre has responded positively to Andhra Pradesh’s tourism proposals worth ₹915 crore, giving a major boost to the state’s efforts to expand its tourism and cultural infrastructure.

During a meeting in New Delhi, AP tourism, culture and cinematography minister Kandula Durgesh presented nine new projects and sought clearance for six pending initiatives. Union tourism and culture minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat assured full support.

The proposals include projects under the PRASAD and Swadesh Darshan schemes to develop temples, beaches and heritage destinations. Key sites include Mangalagiri, Arasavalli, Vadapalli, Korukonda and Nellore, along with Machilipatnam, Lambasingi, Lepakshi and Buddhist tourism circuits.

The Centre has also agreed in principle to set up a National School of Drama campus in Rajahmundry and a Tourism Bhavan in Amaravati. Proposals for a National Institute of Hospitality and an Integrated Experience Centre in Amaravati were also discussed.

Plans for regional centres of Lalit Kala Akademi in Visakhapatnam, Sahitya Akademi in Andhra Pradesh and an Indian Council for Cultural Relations branch received a favourable response. The Centre also assured support for a ‘Kalakshetra’ auditorium at the Ghantasala Venkateswara Rao Music and Dance College in Vijayawada.

The Union minister also agreed to support the reprint of the historic ‘Suryarayandhra Dictionary’.

Durgesh sought assistance to develop Tirupati and Visakhapatnam as international tourism hubs and include them among India’s top 50 destinations.

He also held discussions with tourism secretary Suman Billa and culture secretary Vivek Agarwal to expedite implementation. Officials appreciated the state’s project reports and assured continued support.

Calling the visit a “new chapter” for tourism, Durgesh said the initiatives would strengthen infrastructure, attract global tourists and enhance the state’s cultural profile.