Vijayawada: Mines Minister Kollu Ravindra on Wednesday met three Union ministers in New Delhi, seeking central assistance for infrastructure, tourism and sports projects aimed at transforming Machilipatnam into a major coastal, industrial and recreational hub.
During his meeting with tourism and culture minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, the minister sought central funding of Rs 120.04 crore under the Swadesh Darshan 2.0 scheme for the comprehensive development of Manginapudi beach. He said the project would help restore the historical and cultural legacy of Machilipatnam, one of the country’s oldest port towns with a rich maritime heritage dating back to the Satavahana era.
Ravindra said the state government had identified 153.05 acres of government-owned beachfront land for the project and prepared a CRZ-compliant master plan. The proposed development includes an iconic landmark, public plaza, sailing club, sports and adventure facilities, beachfront crafts bazaar, shopping village, water amusement park, tourist terminal, creek restoration for backwater tourism, internal roads and supporting infrastructure.
The project is expected to attract nearly `643 crore in private investments through the PPP mode.
Future components include a five-star resort with a MICE convention centre, eco and wellness resorts, business resorts, caravan parks, glamping facilities, an aquatic museum, underwater aquarium, floating restaurants, houseboats and adventure sports.
Ravindra said the project would generate large-scale employment and establish Machilipatnam as a premier national beach destination, supported by a destination management organisation headed by the district collector.
The minister also met minister of state for youth affairs and sports Raksha Nikhil Khadse, requesting financial assistance under the Khelo India programme for construction of an indoor stadium and a swimming pool at Machilipatnam. He sought `17 crore for the indoor stadium and `9 crore for the swimming pool, with the total project cost estimated at `26.5 crore.
He said the facilities would strengthen sports infrastructure in the coastal district, provide modern training facilities, encourage youth participation and help organise district and state-level sporting events.
In another meeting, Ravindra urged roads minister Nitin Gadkari to approve construction of the proposed Machilipatnam-Bantumilli road, estimated to cost around `150 crore. The proposed road, linking Machilipatnam Port and Manginapudi beach to NH 216, would pass entirely through government land, avoiding land acquisition issues.
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