The Bay of Bapatla: Suryalanka’s ₹98-Crore Global Makeover

The Andhra Pradesh government has unveiled a ₹98-crore development plan to transform Suryalanka Beach into an international tourism destination under the Centre’s Swadesh Darshan 2.0 scheme.

The initiative aims to position the beach as a major coastal tourism hub while also promoting it as a destination for film shoots and eco-friendly recreational activities. Kandula Durgesh said the project includes large-scale infrastructure development such as a grand entrance arch, camping facilities, cycling tracks, street lighting, cobblestone walkways, tourist information centres, administrative buildings, landscaping, seating areas, water sports infrastructure and a solar-powered 11 KV power system.

Officials said advanced waste management systems are also being planned to support sustainable tourism and environmental conservation. As part of the branding strategy, the beach is being promoted as the “Bay of Bapatla” to improve its national and international visibility. The project also includes efforts to secure Blue Flag certification and attract private investment in hospitality and tourism infrastructure.

On 12 May 2026, Tourism Minister Kandula Durgesh and Anagani Satya Prasad jointly laid the foundation stone for a compound wall project at the beach, which will be executed by the Panchayat Raj Department.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.