(a) whether the Government has received any proposal from the State Government of Andhra Pradesh to develop Havelock Bridge (Abandone
(d)on River Godavari as a Tourist hub;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) the steps taken by the Government in this regard?
MINISTER OF STATE FOR TOURISM (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) (DR. MAHESH SHARMA)
(a) to (c): As informed by the Ministry of Railways, State Government of Andhra Pradesh had earlier (in 2011) requested for utilization of abandoned Havelock Bridge across river Godavari at Rajahmundry as an Integrated Tourism Development Project as per the tourism policy of Andhra Pradesh-2010 for a period of 33 years by paying lease amount @ 5% per annum, sharing 50% of the revenue and payment of Rs.1.00lakh per annum towards lease rental of girders. The proposal was duly examined by the railways and in-principle approval was communicated to the State Government subject to payment of salvage value of steel girders (Rs.14.19 crore based on rates of 2009), payment of land lease charges as per railways policy (Rs.3.71 crore). However, State Government did not agree to the railways proposal of payment of salvage value and land lease charges even after several correspondences.
Recently Honble Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh has expressed his desire to develop this bridge as Tourist Spot proposing to repair the abandoned bridge as a part of the project and to share net profits on mutually agreed terms. State Government of Andhra Pradesh has been asked by railway to submit comprehensive proposal to railways for further examination. The proposal in this regard has not been received from the State Government.