Andhra Pradesh Tourism Minister Kandula Durgesh. | Photo credit: File Photo
Andhra Pradesh Tourism and Culture Minister Kandula Durgesh is scheduled to meet Union Minister for Tourism and Culture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat on Thursday and brief the Center on the progress of around ₹430 crore worth of tourism projects already underway and submit proposals seeking approval for nine new initiatives.
Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) will be presented under flagship schemes like Swadesh Darshan 2.0 and PRASAD scheme, focusing on developing iconic tourist destinations and strengthening spiritual tourism circuits.
Among the key proposals, the state will seek ₹120.04 crore under Swadesh Darshan 2.0 to develop the Vibrant Beach Front in Machilipatnam. Funds are being sought under PRASAD for the development of major temples, including Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple, Mangalagiri (₹95.18 million) and Sri Surya Narayana Swamy Temple, Arasavalli (₹213.72 million), besides infrastructure proposals for Nehrll Swamy Temple at Sleri Temple, Nehrll Swaris. Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple, Korukonda, and Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple, Vadapalli.
Other proposals include ₹103.05 million to develop tourism and cultural infrastructure in Lepakshi, ₹99.87 million to improve the tourist experience in Lambasingi and ₹77.32 million to develop tent cities at key Buddhist sites across the state.
The state will also seek support to develop Tirupati and Visakhapatnam as global tourism destinations and seek assistance in setting up a National Hospitality Institute at Amaravati.
The minister will also seek ₹100 crore for setting up an integrated experience, interpretation and information center (Tourism Bhavan) at Amaravati, in line with Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu’s vision to transform Andhra Pradesh into a major tourism hub.
Discussions are also expected to reprint the classic lexicon “Suryarayandhra Nighantuvu” based on the suggestions of Deputy Chief Minister K. Pawan Kalyan.
Published – 01 Apr 2026 20:01 IST
