AP, Telangana suspend boat services to Papikondalu

After the boat tragedy in the Godavari River at Kachluru in East Godavari district, the Telangana government temporarily suspended boat services to Papikondalu as a precautionary measure.

Earlier, Andhra Pradesh Government too suspended the services immediately after the boat capsizal on September 15.

Thousands of tourists from Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Chhattisgarh, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and other States visit Papikondalu to see the scenic beauty . More than 1,000 tourists visit the place every day and the rush would be around 5,000 during weekends and holidays, according to officials.

The boat accident shattered many families in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. As many as 41 persons from Telangana and 32 from AP were on the Royal Vasista boat which capsized in the river on September 15. Thirty-five persons died, while 20 passengers survived. Search is on for tracing the remaining bodies.

Tourists used to board the boats at Bhadrachalam, Polavaram, Gandi Pochamma Tudi, Devipatnam, Angaluru and other river bed villages. About 50 boats were run to Papikondalu from the two States.

The Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TSRTC) operate additional buses for the convenience of passengers to Bhadrachalam from Hyderabad during holidays.

Besides, tourists reach Bhadrachalam on their own vehicles, private travels and cabs and board the boats to visit Papikondalu. The Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (APTDC) offer Papikondalu packages to the tourists.

Packages

Many private travels and boat operators used to offer packages to Papikondalu from Rajamahendravaram, Kovvur, Polavaram, Pattiseema and other places.

The Port, Irrigation, Fire and Police officials were conducting raids and were checking fitness certificates, licences, engine and condition of vessels after the boat tragedy.

“In addition to the documents, we are verifying the owners of the vessels, checking the licences of sarungs (boat drivers) and crew,” said an official.

With the two States suspending services to Papikondalu, many tourist boats were seen stopping at Godavari river banks at Rajamahendravaram, Bhadrachalam, Polavaram, Devipatnam and other places.

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