In an effort to boost tourism in Andhra Pradesh, the state government has proposed a plan to develop premium tourism infrastructure on the Beach Corridor – Visakhapatnam – Bheemli – Bhogapuram Beach Road. The tourism infrastructure on the state’s agenda will include world-class resorts, adventure tourism facilities, golf courses, seaplane terminals, and more.
Discussing developments under the Tourism Policy 2020-25, the Special Chief Secretary of Andhra Pradesh for Tourism Dr Rajat Bhargava, Archaeology and Youth Services convened a review meet and raised discussions on key tourism-related projects including the development along the proposed Beach Corridor.
Under the Beach corridor redevelopment project, the state authority has proposed to develop Rushikonda Beach as a world-class tourist destination to attract international and Indian tourists. Andhra Pradesh Tourism said, the work has already commenced and will be completed by next year.
The work of extension of Beach Road from Bheemili to Bhogapuram has been taken up by the Infrastructure and Investments Department while the development of tourism infrastructure, resorts, adventures sports activities, along the proposed beach corridor is taken up by the Tourism Department. Further, under the project, the proposed beach corridor will see Seaplane terminals at Bheemli Beach and Bhogapuram Beach, an Eco-Tourism project at the beach adjoining the forest land, floating restaurant, Eco Camps, International Convention Center with Accommodation Block and a Golf Course.
During the discussions, the Tunnel Aquarium project at Thotlakonda Beach was also on the agenda. The project is being prepared on the PPP model at an estimated cost of Rs 163 crore under the Tourism Policy 2020-25. Further, the review meeting included discussions on the stranded Cargo ship into a floating restaurant, launch of the floating restaurant in Krishna River, etc. The department is looking to convert a stranded Bangladeshi cargo ship on the Visakhapatnam coast, MV MAA, into a floating restaurant with a banquet and other facilities. A sum of Rs 10.50 crore has been earmarked for the project. The idea is to convert the cargo vessel into a major tourist attraction with multi-cuisine restaurants, banquet facilities and other entertainment amenities.
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The state’s tourism authority is aiming to launch the floating restaurant in the Krishna river between Berm Park and Bhavani Island. The setting up of restaurant facilities are ongoing.
In its attempt to promote ecotourism, the state authority has planned to develop world-class eco-resorts along the Eastern Ghats. At the meeting, the government reviewed the progress of the Eco-Tourism projects in Maredumilli in East Godavari District, Lambasingi in Visakhapatnam District and Jagathipalli in Srikakulam District.
Dr Bhargava said that Andhra Pradesh is a state blessed with the second-longest coastline (974 Kms) of all states in the country and perennial rivers and scenic backwaters. He said that the government is committed to utilize all these natural geographical features and develop all possible themes of tourism namely beach tourism, river tourism, eco-tourism and adventure tourism.