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Andhra Pradesh Launches Akhanda Godavari Project, Secures ₹10,329 Crore in Tourism MoUs

Naidu used the conclave to unveil wellness-focused incentives with fast-track approvals in a bid to make Andhra Pradesh a global tourism leader by 2029.

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Union tourism minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and deputy chief minister Pawan Kalyan at the foundation stone laying event on Thursday. (HT photo)
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Overview

  • The Andhra Pradesh Tourism Conclave in Vijayawada saw 82 MoUs worth ₹10,329 crore signed for hotels, amusement parks, water sports, sea cruises and adventure activities.
  • Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu presented the Tourism Policy 2024–29 granting industry status along with 100% stamp duty exemption, five-year electricity duty rebates and up to 15-year SGST reimbursements.
  • Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat laid the ₹95 crore foundation stone for the Akhanda Godavari riverfront project in Rajamahendravaram, targeting 3.5 million annual visitors by 2035 and 8,000 direct and indirect jobs.
  • Key components of the Akhanda Godavari initiative include transforming the 127-year-old Havelock Bridge into a themed park, developing Pushkar Ghat for daily river rituals and establishing tent cities, boating facilities and cruise infrastructure.
  • Naidu invited yoga guru Baba Ramdev to advise on wellness tourism as part of a strategy that also features seven anchor hubs and more than 25 thematic circuits across the state.