Horsley Hills becomes a money-spinner for AP tourism

Tirupati: The AP Tourism Development Corporation (APTDC) Tirupati Division achieved Rs.31 crores profit during the last fiscal, which was Rs.3.5 crores higher than the target and Rs.6 crores more than the previous year. Transport and Horsley hills fetched a large chunk of its revenue. The department has focused its attention more on Horsley hills since last year.

The room strength in Horsley hills was increased and now it is having 45 rooms there. Last year six cottages were constructed. With another Rs.70 lakhs the renovation of four more rooms was undertaken. Now, Rs.2 crores was sanctioned additionally. By using these funds the corporation is planning to upgrade the Governor’s bungalow at Horsley hills completely besides the B block upgradation. For this, they recently held a review with the master planners.

It was proposed to renovate the governor bungalow with three-star facilities. More funds are required for this. They have planned to proceed with the sanctioned Rs.2 crores. The Children play area with adventure sports was further developed. All these yielded the Corporation to earn good profits of a record Rs.4.2 crores during 2017-18 as against Rs.2.9 crores during the previous fiscal said the Divisional Manager of APTDC RV Suresh Kumar Reddy.

The transport wing also became a golden goose for APTDC. Speaking to The Hans India, the DVM said, they accrued a revenue of almost Rs.25 crores from transport which is going for further expansion. They had 38 buses in its fleet which came down to 28 buses now. The remaining 10 buses have become redundant and the department has sent the proposals for 10 new buses.

If they materialise, the corporation can be in a position to get additional income. Significantly, the tourism packages to Tirupati were drawing huge response and the figure rose from 350 to 600 tourists per day, he said. APTDC was also getting income from its hotels in Kuppam, Sri Kalahasti, Puligondu, Kailasanatha Kona etc. It is also organizing a sound and light show at Chandragiri fort for which Rs.3.25 crores were sanctioned for modern lighting. That work is in final stages now.

Another proposal for establishing a giant aquarium in Tirupati with Rs.80 lakhs was however pending since last financial year. All these will bring more revenues for the corporation which is going on expansion path by planning to include some more resorts and other activities. The heli-tourism project was also pending for long. Already two operators have approached and some technical studies were going on said the DVM Suresh Reddy.

A spiritual circuit in the district was also proposed under which eco-tourism project was planned at Kailasanatha Kona comprising hotel, eco cottages, adventure activities and restaurant. APTDC is having its own land there. In Sri Kalahasti a function hall or convention centre was planned while at Kanipakkam a budget hotel was proposed. They have acquired 1.8 acres land there.

Eco tourism resort at Talakona and some more projects like Shilparamam extension at Tirupati etc., were planned. Total proposals sent to the tune of Rs.34 crores which was pending. Instead of spiritual circuit these proposals may find a place in the PRASAD scheme to be implemented by the central government.

By V PRADEEP KUMAR