Make Godavari Pushkarams in 2027 a landmark spiritual and cultural event, says Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has directed officials to make the Godavari Pushkarams in 2027 a landmark spiritual and cultural event that reflects the rich heritage, traditions and tourism potential of the State.

Reviewing the preparations for the mega event at the Secretariat on Tuesday, Mr. Naidu said the pushkarams should be leveraged not only as a spiritual festival but also as an opportunity to promote Andhra Pradesh as a major destination for pilgrimage and cultural tourism.

He emphasised that the Godavari basin, which hosts numerous ancient temples and sacred sites, offered immense potential for attracting devotees and visitors from across the country and abroad.

The Chief Minister instructed all departments to work in close coordination and prepare a comprehensive action plan by June 24. He also announced that the government would launch a dedicated ‘Akhanda Godavari Pushkaralu-2027’ website and deploy advanced crowd management systems with the support of APSAC, RTGS and Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams.

Mr. Naidu reviewed the proposed ‘Akhanda Godavari Development Project’ and reiterated that the long-pending Polavaram project would be completed and dedicated to the nation before the commencement of pushkarams.

He proposed developing the stretch between Dowleswaram and Polavaram as an ‘Akhanda Godavari Corridor’, with the infrastructure created for the event serving as a lasting asset for the region.

The Chief Minister also stressed the need for extensive transportation planning, directing officials to improve road connectivity and strengthen railway services. He instructed authorities to approach Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw seeking special trains and financial assistance from the Centre to handle the expected influx of pilgrims.

To accommodate visitors, the government was exploring the establishment of Kumbh Mela-style tent cities and large-scale homestay facilities. Mr. Naidu also directed officials to incorporate suggestions made by Deputy Chief Minister K. Pawan Kalyan during his recent field visit to the Godavari region.

As part of the development plan, roads would be constructed on both sides of the Polavaram project, while major beautification works would be undertaken along the Godavari riverfront. The Chief Minister also proposed the restoration of the residence of renowned social reformer Kandukuri Veeresalingam in Rajamahendravaram.

The government plans to invite prominent spiritual leaders, heads of religious institutions, political figures and film personalities to participate in the event. Officials were directed to ensure uninterrupted conduct of ‘Akhanda Harathi’ to the Godavari and ‘Pavitra Harathi’ to the Krishna river.

Preparations include development of 525 bathing ghats across six districts — Polavaram, Eluru, East Godavari, West Godavari, Konaseema and Kakinada. While 288 ghats already exist, the government proposed constructing 237 additional ghats, increasing the total ghat length from 4.5 km to nearly 10 km.

According to official estimates, nearly 9.95 crore pilgrims were expected to participate in the pushkarams. Authorities project that the peak single-day footfall could touch one crore devotees, significantly higher than the 58.26 lakh pilgrims recorded on the busiest day during the 2015 pushkarams.

To support the preparations, the State government had already sanctioned 132 development works at an estimated cost of ₹211.97 crore. The Chief Minister expressed confidence that the event would not only strengthen Andhra Pradesh’s spiritual identity but also accelerate the transformation of Rajamahendravaram into a major urban and tourism hub.