Question : Tourism Projects under Bharat Mala Programme

(a) whether the Government of Andhra Pradesh (A.P.) has requested to give more importance to the tourism projects of Visakhapatnam and Konaseema regions under Bharat Mala Programme;
(b) if so, the details thereof and the action taken thereon along with the places identified for the purpose;
(c) whether the Government proposes to increase tourism by joining the connectivity to ports and Vodarevu in A.P. to improve tourism in Itchapuram, Bhogapuram, Bhimili, Visakhapatnam, Kakinada, Narsapur, Nizampatnam, Ongole, Ramayyapatnam, Duggarajapatnam and in all other tourist spots/areas in A.P. in future and if so, the details thereof;
(d) the steps taken/being taken by the Union and State Governments to include all the districts which are having coastal areas and potential for improving tourism facilities under Bharat Mala Programme; and
(e) the details of the coastal corridors being developed including Tada to Itchapuram in A.P. for tourism purpose?

MINISTER OF STATE FOR TOURISM (INDEPENDENT CHARGE)
(SHRI K.J. ALPHONS)

(a) & (b): The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has informed that no such request regarding tourism projects under Bharatmala Programme has been received in Bharatmala Pariyojana & Special Projects Cell (M/o RT&H) from Government of Andhra Pradesh.

However, development of Malkaniri on National Highway-326 Chintapalle- Naripattanam –Waddai-Chodavaram- Sabbavaram-Gandigudan National Highway-16 near Tallavalasa stretch and route starting from National Highway-565- Gotlagattu-Podile- Uppalapadu- Chimakurti-Ongloe on National Highway-16 within an aggregate length of about 350 kms in the state of Andhra Pradesh has been envisaged under Backward Districts, Religious and Tourist Centres Connectivity.

(c): Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is implementing five projects connecting National Highway -16 to Vizag, Kakinada Ports in Visakhapatnam & East Godavari Districts which is at Annexure.

(d): Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is implementing six projects connecting NH-16 to the ports in other districts.

(e): Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is implementing twelve projects on National Highway-16 from Ichhapuram to Tada covering coastal Districts of Andhra Pradesh.

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