In a major push to enhance tourism and leisure infrastructure in the Andhra Pradesh capital region, the state government on Tuesday approved plans to develop the Krishna riverbank along Amaravati as a Marina waterfront. The decision was taken during a meeting of the Andhra Pradesh Capital Region Development Authority (APCRDA)chaired by Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, with the goal of turning the riverbank into a vibrant hub for recreation, water-based activities, and tourism.

Marina Waterfront Vision

The Marina waterfront is envisioned to be a comprehensive riverfront destination offering a blend of leisure, tourism, and cultural attractions. Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Municipal Administration and Urban Development Minister P Narayana said that the Chief Minister had instructed officials to implement a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model for various aspects of the waterfront development.

As part of the plan, one acre of land along the Krishna River will be allocated for parking and docking 60 boats at the Marina. The development will also include jetties, leisure and tourism boats, food plazas, landscaping, and other waterfront amenities, providing both residents and tourists with a scenic, accessible, and well-equipped recreational space.

Naidu emphasized the need for a comprehensive master plan, integrating water sports, boating, and other leisure infrastructure with the city’s broader urban landscape. He described the vision as part of making Amaravati a “blue-green city”, with internal canals and waterfront beautification to enhance the urban aesthetic and environmental sustainability.

Exploring Islands and Expanding Water Resources

During the meeting, officials discussed the potential for developing islands in the Krishna River into world-class tourism destinations, creating waterfronts on both sides of the river. Narayana highlighted the importance of upstream infrastructure, noting that a new barrage proposed upstream of the Prakasam Barrage would strengthen water resources for Amaravati and support recreational and tourism activities along the river.

The Chief Minister also underscored the need to financially strengthen the Amaravati Development Corporation and APCRDA. Officials were tasked with studying revenue models, asset monetization strategies, and sustainable income streams to ensure that the waterfront project and other capital development initiatives are economically viable in the long term. Naidu encouraged looking at the Qatar model for large-scale developments, including an international sports city, as a reference for planning Amaravati’s ambitious projects.

Land Pooling and Infrastructure Development

Alongside the riverfront development, the meeting also approved land pooling in seven villages as part of the second phase of Amaravati’s expansion. This phase aims to develop smart industries, an international airport, railway connectivity, an international sports city, and an Inner Ring Road. The land pooling initiative, launching on Wednesday in Endrayi village of Pedakurapadu mandal and Vaddamanu village of Thullur mandal, will cover 16,666.57 acres.

Minister Narayana assured residents of basic infrastructure provision, with two-lane roads to be completed first, ensuring that connectivity and access are established before larger projects are implemented. The master plan already incorporates the Krishna River layouts, Vijayawada–Chennai Highway, and Outer Ring Road, ensuring integrated urban planning while addressing issues raised by farmers before the Three-Man Committee.

Social Welfare Measures

In a progressive move, the APCRDA also approved the extension of the Land Pooling Scheme (LPS) pension programfor orphaned minors in the capital region. Under this initiative, children who have lost both parents will receive a monthly pension of ₹5,000, ensuring social security and support for vulnerable populations affected by urban development initiatives.

Tourism, Recreation, and Economic Impacts

The Marina riverfront development is expected to significantly boost tourism in Amaravati, providing a picturesque venue for leisure activities, boating, water sports, and dining along the Krishna River. The project aims to attract both domestic and international visitors, creating opportunities for hospitality, retail, and recreation-based businesses.

By combining urban planning, environmental sustainability, and tourism promotion, the initiative aligns with the state government’s broader vision of transforming Amaravati into a world-class capital city. The integration of waterfront amenities with city infrastructure, including road connectivity and smart industrial hubs, is expected to enhance Amaravati’s economic profile and generate employment opportunities.

Next Steps and Timeline

The government will soon invite tenders under the PPP model for construction of jetties, boating facilities, food plazas, and landscaping works. Officials are tasked with ensuring timely completion of all capital construction projects in the Amaravati region, keeping pace with ongoing developments and infrastructure expansion.

In addition to the riverfront, the government plans to explore internal canals and aesthetic enhancements as part of the urban landscape. This approach aims to create a synergistic environment that supports tourism, recreation, and sustainable urban living, making Amaravati a destination for culture, leisure, and modern city living.

Conclusion

The Andhra Pradesh government’s decision to develop the Krishna riverbank as a Marina riverfront represents a major investment in tourism, recreation, and urban development for Amaravati. With the integration of water sports, leisure activities, island tourism, and aesthetic enhancements, the project is set to transform the riverbank into a vibrant hub for residents and tourists alike.

Combined with the second-phase land pooling and infrastructure expansion, including airports, rail connectivity, smart industries, and an international sports city, the Marina waterfront initiative positions Amaravati as a blue-green, economically vibrant, and internationally recognized capital city. Social measures, including pensions for orphaned minors, further reinforce the government’s commitment to inclusive development alongside urban modernization.

The coming months will see detailed planning, tendering, and phased execution, laying the foundation for a world-class riverfront and integrated urban landscape that could become a model for riverfront development across India.