RAJAMAHENDRAVARAM: Once hailed as the jewel of the River Godavari, the iconic Havelock Bridge is set to reclaim its lost glory with a major makeover that blends heritage with modern tourism.
As part of the Akhanda Godavari Project, the State government has sanctioned Rs 47 crore to convert the historic structure into a premier tourist attraction for Godavari Pushkarams 2027.
After decades of neglect and uncertainty over its future, the century-old railway bridge across the Godavari river is being transformed into a world-class tourism destination.
Built by the British in 1897, the 2.7-km-long steel bridge, supported by 56 spans, was among Asia’s longest railway bridges of its time. For nearly a century, it served as a vital rail link across the Godavari before being decommissioned in 1997 following the construction of a new railway bridge.
Project will preserve an engg marvel, says Durgesh
Proposals to dismantle the bridge and sell it as scrap sparked widespread public outcry, ultimately leading to its preservation as a heritage structure.
Now, the bridge is entering a new chapter. The tourism project features AI-powered Time Travel Tunnel, Aquarium Tunnel, Hologram Zoo, Space Gallery, heritage decks, light-and-laser shows, cultural performance stages, selfie points, food courts and a rope way.
Speaking to TNIE, Minister for Tourism Kandula Durgesh said, “The revamp of Havelock Bridge will preserve an engineering marvel while giving Rajamahendravaram a landmark tourism destination. Once on the verge of disappearing, the Havelock Bridge is now poised to become a symbol of heritage conservation and modern development, placing Rajamahendravaram City prominently on India’s tourism map.”
Rajahmundry Urban MLA Adireddy Srinivas said Chief Minister N Chandrababu had taken the initiative to convert the iconic Havelock Bridge into a major tourist attraction in the State as part of Akhanda Godavari Project.