The cinema lovers from the Godavari districts can now have an enhanced experience while watching their favourite movies as Rajamahendravaram is all set to get the first ever multiplex which will be built in the public private partnership (PPP) mode. A convention centre and a shopping mall will also come up as part of the project.
The convention centre with a seating capacity for more than 3,000 people is in the final stage of completion and in all likelihood, the facility will be inaugurated in August this year.
According to G. Bheemasankara Rao, Executive Director of Akhanda Godavari project, the project is being implemented by the State Tourism Department and Akhanda Godavari project through a special purpose vehicle that was launched to develop tourism in the twin Godavari Godavari districts.
Bidding & investment
“The government has called for bids for construction of the convention centre and multiplex proposed in the city. Already, six acres of government land belonging to the Central Jail on the Jail Road have been allocated for the project on a lease for 33 years at an annual rent of ₹1.5 crore with an escalation of 5 percent every year,” he said.
During the bidding, The Hyderabad-based Manjeera Group bagged the contract. After entering an MoU with the State government, the group started the construction works of the convention hall, with a fund of ₹40 crore allocated in the first phase.
“Initially, the Manjeera Group has promised to invest ₹50 to ₹60 crore, before they were convinced to undertake the construction of multiplex and shopping mall with an overall investment of ₹120 crores. The construction of multiplex and shopping mall also began along with the convention centre, but it will take another year to be ready,” said Mr. Rao.
Four-star hotel
Further, the Manjeera Group has started a 4-star hotel with 100 rooms and a club house on the site. “The face of the city will change with the convention centre, multiplex and the four-star hotel,” said the CEO of Manjeera Group.