Vijayawada: The NTR district administration has launched an ambitious plan to transform the city and its surrounding areas into a vibrant tourism destination. With the NDA govt placing special emphasis on tourism development across Andhra Pradesh, the district has identified more than seven key tourist spots for a comprehensive facelift.
Though Vijayawada is the second-largest city in the state after Visakhapatnam, it long lacked expansive recreational spaces. Locals often lament the absence of major leisure zones beyond cinema halls and shopping malls. Once a seasonal highlight, the grand exhibition at PWD grounds, conducted by the Krishna district exhibition society, has been on a 12-year hiatus.
Now, change is on the horizon. With Amaravati regaining prominence and Vijayawada’s population steadily rising, the need for modern leisure spaces has become urgent.
NTR district collector Dr G Lakshmishah stated that several steps are being taken to make the city’s tourist spots more appealing. He revealed that the laser show setup at Kondapalli Fort, originally built at a cost of ₹6 crore, was damaged but is now repaired for ₹6 lakh and will resume operations soon. Development plans are also underway for Bhavani Island across 120 acres, with a focus on enhancing visitor experience.
To attract more tourists, the administration is considering food courts and amusement parks along the Krishna River under a public-private partnership (PPP) model. Revamping plans are also in place for Gandhi Hill and Rajiv Gandhi Park.
Dr Lakshmishah has also announced a project to beautify and convert the city’s polluted irrigation canals into scenic tourist spots — a plan already approved by the state govt. Additionally, an audit of the exhibition society is ongoing, with hopes of bringing back the once-iconic summer exhibition to Vijayawada.
