Chief minister Chandrababu Naidu— DC File

NELLORE: The tranquil shores of Pakala Beach in Prakasam district could soon get a major tourism makeover, with the government planning to develop the picturesque coastline as a modern tourist destination under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.

According to district tourism officer T Ravikumar, the initiative came from chief minister Chandrababu Naidu, with the objective of bringing private investment into the project. The idea is to create better tourist infrastructure while giving a fresh push to coastal tourism in the district.

This is expected to transform Pakala from a popular weekend getaway into a more organised and attractive destination for families, tourists and visitors from near and far.

The project is being planned under the PPP model, with the focus on creating a comprehensive tourism infrastructure at Pakala.

The master plan envisages the setting up of tourism resorts, spacious parking areas and modern washroom facilities, along with amenities aimed at making the beach more visitor-friendly.

Facilities for children’s sports and recreation, solar-powered lighting etc are also proposed. The idea is to create a destination where families can spend an entire day or days.

The PPP model would facilitate the creation of quality accommodation and recreational facilities with private participation.

The move gained significance following the overwhelming response to the Pakala Beach Festival held in February 2026, which demonstrated the beach's potential to emerge as a major tourism hub.

Organised jointly by the state maritime board and the tourism department on February 14 and 15, the festival was one of the biggest events ever hosted at Pakala. The shore buzzed with excitement as visitors enjoyed heli tourism, race boat rides, beach sports, food stalls featuring regional delicacies, exhibition stalls, and entertainment shows.

The festival brought the coastline alive with recreational, cultural and entertainment programmes, giving visitors a glimpse of what Pakala could offer if supported by permanent infrastructure.

The proposed resorts and other facilities could encourage tourists to stay overnight, opening up opportunities for local businesses, food outlets, transport operators and other tourism-related services.

With its expansive shoreline and relatively peaceful surroundings, Pakala has considerable potential for development as a family-oriented coastal destination. The proposed facilities are expected to improve visitor convenience while also making the area attractive to private investors.

For Prakasam district, the project could become an important addition to its tourism portfolio, complementing its beaches, historical sites, temples and other attractions.

The challenge will be to ensure that development is balanced with the need to preserve the beach's natural character and maintain cleanliness and environmental sustainability.

Once the PPP initiative takes shape as planned, Pakala would witness a transformation from a largely undeveloped beach into a well-equipped coastal tourism destination, combining the natural beauty of the sea with resorts, recreation, modern amenities and local enterprise.


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