From Our Correspondent
Amaravati In a major move to transform Andhra Pradesh’s capital into a world-class blue-green city, the state government has unveiled an ambitious infrastructure blueprint to develop seven river islands (lankas) on the Krishna River into an international tourism destination.
Spearheaded by the Amaravati Growth and Infrastructure Corporation Limited (AGICL), the multi-phase project spans an expansive 20 square kilometers (approx. 5,000 acres) along a 27-kilometer riverfront corridor stretching from Prakasam Barrage to Vaikuntapuram.
As part of its first phase, the government has selected a 500-acre island at Uddandarayunipalem to anchor the marquee Amaravati Riverfront Project, with a strict directive to fully execute the phase before the highly anticipated 2028 Krishna Pushkarams.
Key Highlights & Project Targets
- Phase 1 Pilot Site: 500-acre river island at Uddandarayunipalem.
- Project Scope: 27 KM long eco-tourism waterfront corridor.
- Execution Model: Public-Private Partnership (PPP).
- Final Deadline: Completion before the 2028 Krishna Pushkarams.
- Executing Agency: Amaravati Growth and Infrastructure Corporation Limited (AGICL).
Core Attractions and Infrastructure Layout
The AGICL has officially floating tenders to select Project Design and Management Consultants to craft the master plan and prepare the Detailed Project Report (DPR). The layout includes:
- The Amaravati Marina: A signature 1-kilometer stretch will be developed as a pilot marina waterfront featuring advanced docking jetties for up to 60 leisure boats.
- The “Amaravati Eye”: Inspired by the iconic London Eye, the cabinet recently cleared a massive 139-meter-tall giant observation wheel spanning 6 acres to provide panoramic capital views.
- Entertainment & Culture: Development of luxury tourism circuits, thematic adventure parks, multi-cuisine floating food plazas, open-air theaters, and distinct cultural performance stages.
- Public Recreation: Extensive implementation of modern ghats, spacious public plazas, integrated cycling paths, waterfront walking tracks, and dedicated horse-riding trails.
- Inter-Island Connectivity: A comprehensive network of leisure boats, environment-friendly water taxis, and eco-boating facilities to connect the distinct river islands.
Flood-Resilient & Blue-Green Eco Design
Aligned with Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu’s overarching vision of building a “Blue-Green Capital,” the entire engineering layout is structurally designed to handle intense environmental stressors.
The riverfront development will utilize flood-resilient engineering parameters capable of withstanding heavy seasonal Krishna River surges without damaging structural foundations. Furthermore, the islands will undergo deep ecological restoration through the targeted planting of indigenous, soil-binding trees and shoreline vegetation to ensure zero degradation to the local river ecosystem.
The administrative framework via the AGICL Tenders Portal outlines a strict 24-month design-to-execution window to ensure that the initial phase seamlessly welcomes millions of global pilgrims and tourists by the 2028 cultural festival.