Vizag turning into hotspot for beach tourism

Visakhapatnam: Beach tourism in Visakhapatnam is set to get a shot in the arm with the plans underway to introduce water sports and develop a floating bridge at Tenneti Park and an ocean deck at the erstwhile MGM Theme Park.

Buoyed by the retention of fourth ranking in cleanliness in the recently held Swachh Survekshan-2023 survey, the State government has decided to expedite the pending projects on a war-footing. The beach road here has popular tourist attractions like the TU 142 Aircraft Museum and INS Kursura Submarine Museum. With the rebuilt resorts of AP Tourism Development Corporation (APTDC) at Rushikonda being finalised to house the camp office of Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy once he relocates to Visakhapatnam, there is speculation that adventure sports on ‘safe beaches’ developed at Sagarnagar, Thimmapuram and Bheemunipatnam may become venues for water sports like banana boat rides, jet skiing, speed boats, snorkel, paragliding and water scooters.

The new attraction which is being developed by Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region Development Authority (VMRDA) is a floating bridge in the sea at Tenneti Park. The facility will provide a panoramic view of the Bay of Bengal with the feel of tidal waves beneath their feet. The bridge, modelled on the lines of the sea bridge at Chavakkad in Thrissur in Kerala, can accommodate about 100 people visiting it at a time. VMRDA is planning to charge Rs 100 to Rs150 as entry fee once it becomes operational. VMRDA Joint Commissioner V Ravindra said they are keen on adding more attractions as part of their resolve to strengthen the tourism infrastructure. VMRDA is also working on setting up an ocean deck near VUDA Park with an investment of Rs 7.8 crore. The government has cleared the proposal. There is also a plan to construct a five star hotel with seaview rooms at the erstwhile MGM Theme Park adjacent to old lighthouse, which is now being used for renting out to marriage parties and get-togethers.

The floating bridge work has been entrusted to Sri Sai Moksha Shipping and Logistics. The bridge will involve an investment of Rs 1 crore as it will be built with HDPE module floating bricks. It will be of 100 metre length and three metres width. Almost 85 per cent of the bridge will be floating in the sea providing the visitors a fabulous experience. For clicking selfies and videos, the facility is also expected to become a big hit among the youngsters.

On the other hand, the ocean deck will have ground plus one floor with a cafeteria and small banquet hall for holding group parties. The State government has already allotted land to Mayfair Group and Oberoi Hotels to construct ultra-modern resorts near Bheemunipatnam. There are plans to develop a six-lane expressway connecting Visakhapatnam to Bhogapuram International Airport, which is under initial stage of construction. VMRDA is also planning to develop a glass skywalk bridge at Kailasagiri with sky cycling and ziplining facilities for having loads of fun. The park atop Kailasagiri Park provides 360 degree view of the sea, lush-green valley and Kambalakonda reserve forest.

Floating Fun

n A 100-meter floating bridge at Tenneti Park coming up

n Five-star hotels with seaview rooms to be built at the erstwhile MGM Theme Park

n 6-lane expressway under development to connect

Vizag to Bhogapuram Airport

n Skywalk bridge, sky cycling, ziplining planned at Kailasagiri Park