Havelock Bridge Set for Grand Rebirth as Tourism Hub

The Andhra Pradesh government will undertake a fresh technical study to reassess the structural integrity of the 125-year-old Havelock Bridge over the Godavari River, situated between Rajamahendravaram and Kovvur. Although a previous assessment by IIT-Madras confirmed the bridge was structurally sound, State Tourism Minister Kandula Durgesh has announced a new evaluation to ensure safety and viability ahead of its planned redevelopment.

As part of the Akhanda Godavari project, the Union Ministry of Tourism has approved ₹94.44 crore to transform the decommissioned railway bridge into a heritage and cultural tourism destination. The redevelopment plan includes:

A craft bazaar, Cultural and artistic installations on all 25 bridge spans, A tent city on a 120-acre river island

Commissioned in 1900 and retired by South Central Railways in 1997, the 2.74-km-long Havelock Bridge was officially transferred to the state government for tourism development.

Additional tourism infrastructure is also planned, including: A Kadiyam Nurseries Experience Centre, Canal boating experiences, The Godavari Harathi spiritual offering at Nidadavolu

These initiatives aim to enhance regional tourism ahead of the Godavari Pushkarams in 2027, positioning the region as a vibrant cultural and ecological

News by Rahul Yelligetti.