The meandering Krishna Eastern Main Canal traversing through the city will soon attract throngs of fun-lovers thanks to the boating facility introduced by the tourism wing.
In collaboration with the city-based Amaravati Boating Club (ABC), the authorities on Tuesday introduced boats in the canal located opposite the Vijayawada Municipal Corporation (VMC) office in PPP mode.
“The Tourism Department has identified 11 spots including the Alankar Centre for such facilities as part of the city beautification drive,” said Himanshu Shukla, Director, Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (APTDC).
The boating facility is open for the public to enjoy short rides in the evening hours.
There are two mechanised speed boats with a seating capacity for eight persons, a water scooter (two-seater), a Bumper boat, a banana boat and two water cycles and pedal boats. A floating restaurant will soon be seen to provide the unique experience of taking in the scenic beauty.
Vijayawada Mayor Koneru Sridhar complimented the ABC for its initiative and said it would add beauty to the canals.
He urged the operators to ensure that the ticket fares were kept within the reach of the common man.
Municipal Commissioner J. Nivas said the boats would start from the canal in front of the VMC office and touch the point at the bridge near the Police Control Room. The drains would be plugged to ensure flow of clean water.
MLC Buddha Venkanna who drove the water scooter said it felt as if one was in Kerala backwaters.
ABC CEO Tarun Kakani said it felt good to be contributing his mite to develop tourism in keeping with Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu’s dream to transform AP into a tourist’s paradise. He said counters offering snacks such as chat items and ice creams would be set up and depending on response, more rides would be added. Initially, ₹100 would be charged per adult and ₹50 per child.