VIJAYAWADA / KURNOOL: In a fillip to the tourism sector in Andhra Pradesh, Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, along with Civil Aviation Minister K Ram Mohan Naidu, launched the trial run for the seaplane service between Vijayawada and Srisailam on Saturday.
Speaking before the launch at Punnami Ghat, Naidu asserted that he was committed to revitalising brand ‘Andhra Pradesh’ by investing particularly in tourism projects that will bring substantial returns.
He opined, “Investment in infrastructure gives 4x returns and around 1.5 to 2 per cent in healthcare. On the other hand, investment in tourism can give up to six-fold returns. No ‘ism’ will be there in future except Tourism.”
As part of the trial run, the Chief Minister and the Aviation Minister travelled from Vijayawada to Srisailam in the seaplane, piloted by the Andhra Pradesh Airports Development Corporation Limited (APADCL).
Naidu moots seaplane service to Gandikota Fort
Outlining the State’s plans to extend the seaplane service to various scenic locations, Naidu explained, “By making picturesque destinations more accessible, including Gandikota and Araku, we can boost tourism and generate income for the State.”
Highlighting the potential for the tourism sector in the State, he remarked, “The joy of going to Araku and drinking coffee there cannot be found in Paris also.” He pointed out that the seaplane service would offer convenient access to historical sites such as the Gandikota Fort which is equivalent to the Grand Canyon in the USA, bringing new opportunities for development in rural and remote areas.
He also advocated for the promotion of tourism in the region and the development of a tiger safari at Thummalabailu. “The dense forests surrounding Srisailam offer sightings of tigers, leopards, and other wildlife, which will attract tourists. The breathtaking scene of water flowing from Srisailam Dam, especially when full, enhances the area’s beauty for tourism,” he remarked.
The Chief Minister also noted that many religious sites in Srisailam, such as the Akkamahadevi Caves, Chenchumahalakshmi Temple, Sakshi Ganapati Temple, and Shivaji Temple, would add spiritual depth to the tourist experience.
Stressing that seaplanes can transform connectivity, Naidu hoped that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will continue to support similar initiatives across the country.
The Chief Minister emphasised that the State’s first seaplane project was initiated as part of an affordable air travel initiative, confirming routes like Vijayawada-Srisailam and Vijayawada-Hyderabad, with more along the coastline from Srikakulam to Nellore.
Ministers BC Janardhan Reddy (Roads and Buildings), Kandula Durgesh (Tourism), SpiceJet CMD Ajay Singh, Regional Vice-President (Sales-Asia Pacific & Middle East) Yogesh Garg, Civil Aviation Joint Secretary Asangba Chuba Ao, Infrastructure and Investments Secretary S Suresh Kumar and others were present.
After landing in Srisailam, Naidu spoke to mediapersons at the Ropeway near Patalaganga. He announced that a special committee will be formed to draft a master plan for the development of the Srisaila Devasthanam with Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, Ministers Anam Ramnarayana Reddy (Endowments), Kandula Durgesh, and Janardhan Reddy as members.
He assured that inputs from local MPs, MLAs, district Collectors, and Forest and Endowments departments will be included in the plan.
'Full-fledged seaplane service between Amaravati - Srisailam on March 2025'
The Chief Minister stated that full-fledged seaplane service between Amaravati and Srisailam are expected to start in March 2025. “The government has given the tourism sector ‘industry status’, and aims to position the State as a global tourism destination by integrating places like Gandikota, Srisailam, Lambasingi, Rushikonda, Kakinada, and Tirupati into a comprehensive tourism network,” he explained.
Pointing out that the NDA government, in 2014-15, had invested Rs 47 crore in developing Srisailam as both a spiritual and tourism centre, he recalled that roads were widened for chariots, ring roads were laid and ropeways were installed. However, he regretted the lack of development over the past five years in the YSRC regime and stressed the importance of using this area for various tourism activities, including eco-tourism and jungle safari.
He highlighted plans to develop Sundipenta as a residential and educational hub alongside Srisailam, and the 13th-century Gandikota as a world-renowned tourist destination famous as the ‘Grand Canyon of India’, with significant potential for adventure sports.
With 93% of State reservoirs currently filled, he mentioned ongoing efforts to interlink rivers like Penna, Godavari, and Vamsadhara to leverage all available resources, including the construction of a diaphragm wall at Polavaram for Rs 990 crore. Plans to bring Godavari water to Rayalaseema would also bring significant changes to the region.
Later, Naidu visited Sri Bhramaramba Mallikarjuna Swamy temple and offered prayers at both Swamy and Ammavari temples. Temple officials and priests welcomed him with temple honours.
Nandyal Collector G Rajakumari, SP Adhiraj Singh Rana, Nandyal MP Byreddy Shabari, MLAs Budda Rajasekhar Reddy, Gouru Chairitha Reddy and others were present.
