Andhra Pradesh Approves Caravan Tourism Policy And Major Urban Projects

Andhra Pradesh is charting a new course for tourism and urban development. In a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu, the state approved several key initiatives, including the launch of a Caravan Tourism Policy, direct financial aid for drivers, and large-scale urban infrastructure projects.

Briefing the media, Minister Partha Saradhi said nearly 2.9 lakh auto, motor cab, and maxi cab drivers would receive financial assistance of Rs 15,000 each under a new welfare scheme. The initiative, costing Rs 436 crore, aims to support drivers affected by the state’s Stree Shakti free bus travel programme, which has already benefited more than 10 crore women. The driver aid scheme will launch on 4 October and include a system for grievance redressal.

A major highlight of the meeting was the approval of the Caravan Tourism Policy 2024–29, aimed at promoting temple and eco-tourism. The policy offers tax incentives for caravan operators, including full life tax exemptions for the first 25 vehicles and graded rebates for the next 25. Developers of Caravan Parks will also receive benefits such as stamp duty waivers, land conversion exemptions, certification fee reimbursements, and a 25 per cent capital subsidy. A new Homestay Policy was also approved, allowing up to six rooms per unit to encourage community-based tourism.

On the urban front, the Cabinet cleared 281 projects worth Rs 10,251 crore under the AMRUT 2.0 scheme, focusing on improving water supply and sanitation in urban areas. These projects will follow a hybrid concession model with relaxed tender norms to ease contractor participation.

In Amaravati, the Cabinet approved key land pooling decisions and gave the go-ahead for special purpose vehicles (SPVs) to advance projects such as a Greenfield airport, iconic bridge, ropeway systems, and riverfront development.

The government also extended support to farmers and renewable energy initiatives, sanctioning a Rs 1,000 crore loan to the Civil Supplies Corporation for clearing paddy dues and approving policy changes to promote green energy projects.

With this mix of welfare, tourism, and infrastructure measures, Andhra Pradesh aims to balance economic growth with sustainable development while positioning itself as a more connected and traveller-friendly state.