Chennai: Chennai’s twin beaches Marina and Elliot’s are all set to get a massive makeover at a cost of Rs 14.60 crore under central government ambitious ‘Swadesh Darshan Scheme’, which eyes tourism development in the country.
The Greater Chennai Corporation had floated two separate tenders for the upgrade and upkeep of Marina beach and Elliot’s beach.
“Marina beach will see a makeover at a cost of Rs 8.60 crore, whereas, Elliot’s beach will get Rs 5.97 crore makeover”, a Chennai Corporation official said.
Under Swadesh Darshan Scheme, the union government has allotted '100 crore for developing infrastructures related to tourism in Tamil Nadu, of which nearly half the amount will be spent on state beaches.
The development works at Marina and Elliot’s beaches include construction of watchtower, new toilets and introducing bay watch with life boats and other life-saving equipment. The work also involves maintaining of beach surface clean, in addition to renovating Schmidt Memorial on Elliot’s beach apart from other beautification works.
In addition to the beach renovation and rejuvenation under Swadesh Darshan Scheme, the civic body also has a separate proposal for developing a new park near Marina beach at a cost of Rs 19 crore.
“Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation (TTDC) has agreed to give funds to build a new park. The proposal also includes renovation of facilities that were damaged during Jallikattu riot. Once the government sanctions the proposal, the project will be commenced,” another civic body official said. The tender quotations would be opened on January 29. “The works will start soon after the work orders are issued,” the official added.
