From Our Correspondent
Amaravati: Andhra Pradesh is adding another landmark to its capital city with the proposed Amaravati Eye, a giant observation wheel inspired by the iconic London Eye that is set to become India’s tallest observation wheel and a major tourism attraction on the banks of the Krishna River.
The project, recently approved by the State Cabinet, will be developed on nearly six acres of prime riverfront land under the Design, Build, Finance, Operate and Transfer (DBFOT) model with a 30-year concession period, marking another step in the government’s strategy to position Amaravati as a global destination for tourism, recreation and investment.
Designed to offer panoramic views of Amaravati, the Krishna River and the surrounding capital region, the Amaravati Eye is expected to become one of the city’s signature attractions, similar to the role played by the London Eye in the UK capital. The state government believes the project will strengthen Amaravati’s identity while attracting domestic and international tourists.
The observation wheel will form part of the larger waterfront development planned along the Krishna River. Officials expect the attraction to stimulate investments in hospitality, retail, entertainment and food and beverage businesses, creating a vibrant tourism ecosystem around the capital city.
The Cabinet has authorised the process for inviting bids from private developers to execute the project under a public-private partnership model. The concessionaire will be responsible for designing, financing, constructing, operating and maintaining the attraction during the concession period before transferring it back to the government.
The Amaravati Eye is part of a broader effort by the Chandrababu Naidu-led government to accelerate the development of the capital region through iconic infrastructure projects. Alongside the observation wheel, the government has approved investments in roads, public infrastructure, residential facilities and technology projects aimed at transforming Amaravati into a modern administrative, commercial and tourism hub.
Urban planners believe landmark attractions such as the Amaravati Eye can significantly enhance city branding, increase visitor footfall and generate recurring revenue through tourism. Internationally, observation wheels have become major economic assets, driving spending on hotels, restaurants, shopping and entertainment while boosting the profile of host cities.
For Amaravati, the project represents more than a tourism attraction—it is part of a broader strategy to create a world-class capital city that combines governance, business, leisure and lifestyle, while generating new opportunities for private investment and employment.