Akhanda Godavari: Pawan Kalyan’s Big Dream Takes Off

The Andhra Pradesh government, with Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan taking the lead, has officially launched the ambitious Akhanda Godavari tourism project. The foundation stone was laid on Thursday, in the presence of Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat.

So, what exactly is Akhanda Godavari? It is a large-scale tourism circuit designed to connect various natural and spiritual destinations along the Godavari River, covering both East and West Godavari regions. The goal is to transform the entire stretch into a world-class tourist destination.

The plan includes linking temples, natural lakes, and scenic riverbanks, some of which are currently underdeveloped or inaccessible. The project will utilize central government funds under a national tourism development program, with an initial estimated cost of around ₹1000 crore.

The project also aims to clean and preserve the Godavari River, taking inspiration from the Ganga clean-up model in Uttar Pradesh. The riverfront will be developed with eco-friendly practices, eliminating plastic use, and introducing high-end amenities like boating, hotels, and guided experiences making it both a spiritual and leisure destination.

Ultimately, Akhanda Godavari is about boosting tourism, generating revenue for the state, and placing Godavari on the global travel map.