Amaravati riverfront with 139-metre tall giant wheel planned as tourism hub

Vijayawada: In a bid to transform Amaravati into a global tourist destination, the state government plans to develop the Krishna riverfront with theme-based attractions, including a giant observation wheel.Seven river islands (lankas) between Prakasam Barrage and Vaikuntapuram, spanning nearly 5,000 acres, have been identified for tourism development. In the first phase, a 500-acre island near Uddandarayunipalem has been selected for the Amaravati Riverfront project, which will cover a 27-km stretch of the river.A one-km Amaravati Marina will be developed as a pilot project, along with boating facilities connecting the islands.

The projects will be taken up under the PPP model through Amaravati Growth and Infrastructure Corporation Limited (AGICL), which has invited tenders for preparing a Detailed Project Report (DPR). The pilot project is targeted for completion before the Krishna Pushkarams in 2028.The plan includes eco-friendly landscaping, plantation and flood-resilient infrastructure.A key highlight is the proposed ‘Amaravati Eye’, a giant observation wheel near the government office complex along the Krishna river.

Located close to the Amaravati Stupa, Dhyana Buddha and Amaralingeswara temple, the wheel will serve as a major attraction.A full rotation, including boarding time, is expected to take 27 minutes, with operations planned from 9 am to 11 pm. The project, to be built on five acres at a cost of Rs 120 crore, will be executed under a PPP model through a Design-Build-Finance-Operate-Transfer (DBFOT) mode with a 30-year lease.To enhance viability, the project has been split into two components — the observation wheel and a commercial zone. A one-acre market space adjacent to the wheel will support revenue generation.Officials noted that lessons from the failed Delhi Eye project have been incorporated. While initial footfall may be modest due to Amaravati’s evolving status and seasonal impact, authorities expect strong demand from the estimated 1.3 crore population within CRDA limits.

The project is projected to attract about 25.5 lakh visitors annually.The riverfront tourism circuit will also feature luxury resorts, theme parks, open-air theatres, cultural spaces, ghats, public plazas, parks, cycling tracks, walking paths and horse-riding facilities.GFX*The Amaravati Eye Giant Observation Wheel will rise to a height of 139 metres from ground level*This will be taller than the London Eye and potentially the tallest observation wheel in India. The London Eye is 135 meters tall.*The 128-metre (dia) wheel will have 28 fully air-conditioned and mechanically stabilised capsules. The dia of London Eye is 120-meters.*Each capsule will accommodate around 20 to 25 visitors.