Rajahmundry will be developed as tourist hub: minister

Andhra Pradesh government will develop Rajahmundry, a major city in East Godavari district, as a tourist hub, state irrigation minister Devineni Umamaheswara Rao has said.
"The government will be taking all necessary steps to develop Rajahmundry as a tourist hub in future," Rao said here yesterday while overseeing the arrangements for 'Godavari Mahapushkaram' festival from July 14.
Rajahmundry city has been developed and beautified in view of Godavari Pushkaram. Several temples have been renovated and tourist spots developed in the city, he said.
Boat tourism on river Godavari will be developed further and works will commence for developing parks in the surrounding areas, he said.

'Pushkaram' is a festival of river Godavari which occurs once in 12 years. The festival was last held in 2003.
In view of the heavy flow of pilgrims expected during the Pushkaram, the Kotilingala ghat --said to be one of the longest bathing ghats in the country with a length of 1,128 metres -- has been reconstructed at a cost of Rs 14 crores, the minister said.

The Minister expressed satisfaction over the construction of ghats, repair and renovation of temples and other festival-related works.
Rao also inspected the fourth bridge constructed on river Godavari and Gopadakeshtram in West Godavari district and enquired about the arrangements made for pilgrims.

The government's aim is that the lakhs of pilgrims who visit the place should not be inconvenienced in any way, he said.