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Rs 7-bn tourism projects to go on stream in AP in 2 years

Syed Amin Jafri in Hyderabad

Tourism projects with an estimated outlay of Rs 7 billion would be set up with private sector participation in Andhra Pradesh in the next two years.

Announcing this at a media conference here on Thursday evening, Tourism Minister E Peddi Reddy said that some of these projects have already been assigned to the private sector for implementation. The process of selection of the private parties for some more projects was on.

Reddy said that the choice of a private party for implementing the ropeway project at the temple town of Tirumala-Tirupati would be finalised in a couple of months. It would be the world's longest ropeway with a length of 6.1 kms. The project is estimated to cost Rs 750 million.

"We want to focus on IT, BT and TT. Information technology, bio-technology and travel and tourism will be the growth engines fuelling economic growth of Andhra Pradesh," he said.

Listing out the 17 projects which have already been awarded to private parties, the minister said these included IMAX theatre, rock garden, aqua laser & film show, snow dome, miniature golf course, dinosaur park, mini-dream world, sea world, rain forest café at Hyderabad, amusement park at Shamshabad, Rushikonda and Senora beach resorts at Visakhapatnam and entertainment complex at Tirupati.

The other 13 projects for which 25 proposals have been received from private parties are ropeway projects at Kanakadurga and Simhachalam temples, botanical garden, night safari, Institute of Tourism & Hotel Management at Hyderabad, Hope Island at Kakinada, Water sports and beach resorts at Mangamarripeta, development of Buddhist sites at Amaravati and Shankaram, beach resort at Suryalanka, multiplexes and golf courses at Hyderabad and Visakhapatnam.

Reddy said that Union ministry of tourism has reacted favourably to the state's request for assistance for development of Visakhapatnam as an international tourist centre and for taking up a Mega integrated tourism project covering Visakhapatnam--Bheemunipatnam beach, Araku Valley and nearby areas.

The project, costing Rs 2.5 billion, would have wildlife and eco-tourism components.

He said that the 'pedestrianisation' of Charminar area in the City has been taken up a cost of Rs 600 million. The foundation stones for the Integrated Paryatan Bhavan (tourism complex) and Indian Institute of Tourism and travel management at Hyderabad and golf course near Golconda fort would be laid during the World Tourism Day festivities on September 27 this year.

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