Rajahmundry (Andhra Pradesh), Apr 20 (PTI) Andhra Pradesh Energy Minister Gottipati Ravi Kumar on Monday said development works worth nearly Rs 500 crore were launched here in East Godavari district in the run-up to Godavari Pushkaralu, a Kumbh Mela-like pilgrimage).

The minister toured East Godavari district to review development works and infrastructure readiness for the Godavari Pushkaralu.

"During the visit, development projects worth Rs 485 crore were inaugurated and foundation stones laid across the district. Of this, electrical infrastructure works valued at Rs 96.9 crore were specifically initiated to support Pushkaram arrangements," said an official press release, quoting Kumar.

He said Rs 150 crore is being invested to ensure uninterrupted high-quality power supply for devotees during the pilgrimage, with instructions issued to complete all works at least two months in advance.

Meanwhile, Tourism Minister K Durgesh noted that the Central Government has already sanctioned Rs 94 crore for the pilgrimage's preparations.

Further, a ministerial committee is expected to visit Rajahmundry to oversee arrangements for the mega pilgrimage.

Delving on the power sector in the southern state, the minister emphasised that reducing electricity tariff and ensuring quality uninterrupted power supply remain the TDP-led NDA government's ultimate goals.

He noted that despite financial challenges, the current government has "not increased power tariffs in the past two years", in contrast to alleged multiple hikes during the previous YSRCP administration.

Efforts are underway to further reduce tariffs, including a historic "true-down" adjustment of 13 paise, he asserted.

To strengthen infrastructure, works worth Rs 6,000 crore are being executed across the state, including construction of 132, 220, and 400 kV substations, said Kumar.

Key projects include underground cable systems from Rajahmundry River View Substation to Kotilingala Ghat and the commissioning of substations at Gautami Pushkar Ghat, Kadiyam, Vijayawada Airport, and Eluru.

As part of renewable energy initiatives, the minister launched the PM Surya Ghar scheme in Vadisaleru village, providing free 2 kW solar rooftop systems to SC and ST households.

Later, Kumar inaugurated multiple infrastructure projects, including Andhra Pradesh Transmission Corporation facilities and substations at Bommuru, Vepakayalapalem, and Velugubanda, and laid the foundation stones for new administrative buildings near Diwan Cheruvu. PTI STH SA

Infrastructure and power-supply works launched ahead of Godavari Pushkaralu, alongside tariff reduction and rooftop solar support. Development works worth nearly Rs 500 crore were launched in East Godavari district in the run-up to Godavari Pushkaralu, with electrical infrastructure and power-supply arrangements prioritised for the pilgrimage. The account also notes statewide power-sector works, including transmission infrastructure, substations, underground cabling, and a renewable energy scheme providing free rooftop solar systems to SC and ST households.