Chennai Marina beach revamped for Blue Flag zone inauguration
A major transformation is underway at Chennai’s Marina Beach as part of the Blue Flag initiative. Spanning 50 acres, the beach zone is being prepped with eco-friendly infrastructure and visitor amenities. From bamboo entryways to wheelchair-friendly paths, the revamp aims to elevate the beach’s international standards and boost tourism, though questions around structural resilience and long-term upkeep persist.
Revamped beach infrastructure is now nearing completion at Marina Beach. Visitors can expect shaded seating, open gyms, upgraded bathing zones and child-friendly play areas. Cemented walking paths, watchtowers and wooden benches are being added for enhanced leisure and safety. The project also includes bamboo recliners and high-density polyurethane platforms to support accessibility for wheelchair users across the sandy coastal terrain.
Local officials confirmed that the beach makeover meets key international benchmarks required for Blue Flag certification. The beach is under continuous CCTV surveillance and includes eco-sanitary and bathing units. However, vendors working in the area have voiced concerns about the new structures’ ability to withstand high tides and strong winds that Marina Beach frequently experiences. Officials have yet to respond to these doubts.
Despite the enthusiasm from tourists, apprehension remains over the structural durability and upkeep of the new amenities. Vendors warn that the current materials may not last long under Marina’s harsher weather compared to locations like Goa. With formal inauguration expected soon, officials say they are fast-tracking construction and security measures to complete the project within the certification’s 33-point criteria.
Currently, Tamil Nadu’s only Blue Flag beach is located in Kovalam, certified in 2020. However, the certification applies only to a limited 400-metre section, leaving the remaining coastline plagued with issues like plastic waste, stray animals and untreated sewage. Locals hope that the Marina upgrade will maintain its standards and not follow Kovalam’s partial implementation path.
Marina Beach’s Blue Flag project symbolises a bold step toward sustainable urban coastal tourism. While visitors are eager to explore the upgraded beachfront, long-term success will depend on regular maintenance, community involvement and resilience against natural elements. As the city awaits the formal launch, residents and stakeholders look forward to a cleaner, safer, and globally recognised shoreline that lives up to its international ambitions.
