Andhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu directs officials to expedite Rs.4,026 crore Pushkaram works, with AI, drones and 440 ghats planned for devotees.
Amaravati: Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has directed officials to make comprehensive arrangements for the Akhanda Godavari Pushkarams, scheduled to begin on June 26, 2027, with an emphasis on the safety, convenience and spiritual experience of devotees.
Reviewing the progress of Pushkaram-related works at the Secretariat on Tuesday, the Chief Minister directed officials to accelerate all ongoing works, with only about 10 months remaining for the event. The government has estimated the total cost of the works at Rs. 4,026 crore, of which the Finance Department has already allocated Rs. 899 crore.
Officials said around 4.86 crore devotees participated in the 2015 Maha Pushkarams in Andhra Pradesh. For the 2027 Pushkarams, the estimated turnout is between 8 crore and 10 crore, with the possibility of nearly one crore devotees taking holy dips on a single day.
To handle the anticipated crowds, 440 ghats are being planned. Of these, 259 existing ghats will be upgraded and 181 new ghats will be constructed across six districts.
The proposed ghats include 82 in East Godavari, 40 in West Godavari, 175 in Konaseema, 44 in Eluru, 88 in Kakinada and 11 in Polavaram.
Advanced technology will form a major part of the security and crowd-management system. Officials plan to use AI-based crowd analytics, CCTV monitoring of entry and exit points, drone surveillance and QR-based vehicle identification.
Decentralised deployment systems will also be introduced to improve emergency response and crowd management.
The government plans to keep 2,697 rescue boats ready and establish 30 temporary field hospitals, supported by ambulances, medical camps, first-aid facilities and laboratories.
Naidu directed officials to use the Pushkarams as an opportunity to showcase Andhra Pradesh's spiritual and tourism potential.
He proposed a tourism circuit linking major destinations including Pithapuram Shakti Peetham, four Pancharama temples, Dwaraka Tirumala, Annavaram, Vadapalli and Antarvedi.
The Chief Minister also called for promotion of homestays and faster approvals for new hotels to accommodate visitors.
A convention centre is proposed in Rajamahendravaram, while cultural programmes featuring prominent artists and Kuchipudi performances are also being planned.
Naidu directed officials to ensure that roads leading to ghats remain pothole-free and that connectivity to the Polavaram Project is improved.
He also instructed authorities to prevent sewage from entering the Godavari and complete development works around Havelock Bridge and nearby islands.
To promote cleaner transportation, 487 green-energy buses will be deployed, while 11 bus stations will be modernised.
Officials are also proposing 50 Model Pushkar Panchayats among the 260 gram panchayats located in the Godavari basin districts. Muni Kudali in Seethanagaram mandal of East Godavari has been selected as the pilot village.
Considering that several tributaries, streams and canals join the Godavari along its journey to the sea, Naidu suggested exploring the theme “Akhanda Godavari” for the Pushkarams.
He called for world-class, integrated arrangements covering transportation, sanitation, drinking water, healthcare, security, accommodation, infrastructure and technology.
The Chief Minister said the Pushkarams should become an opportunity to showcase the cultural and spiritual heritage of Andhra Pradesh to visitors from across India and abroad.
Ministers Anam Ramanarayana Reddy, BC Janardhan Reddy and Y. Satya Kumar Yadav, along with senior officials, participated in the review meeting.
