Marina Beach, one of Chennai’s most beloved landmarks, has reopened to the public with a brand-new look and the prestigious Blue Flag certification. The facelift, inaugurated by Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, is part of a Rs 7.31 crore initiative aimed at making the beach cleaner, greener, and more accessible, while promoting sustainable tourism and marine conservation.
Spread over 20 acres, the upgraded stretch now offers 20 bamboo sunshades, 40 bamboo recliner benches, 12 regular benches, four watchtowers, and 24 garbage bins. Visitors will also find an entry arch, a meditation centre, a reading room, and selfie spots designed to make the beach both a relaxing and visually engaging destination.
The makeover places strong emphasis on accessibility and inclusivity. Marina Beach is now equipped with 12 wheelchairs for persons with disabilities, children’s play zones, adaptive play and exercise equipment, a breastfeeding room, a first aid centre, and a waiting room. There are separate restrooms for men and women, drinking water dispensers, CCTV surveillance, and a dedicated cleaning team supported by mechanical equipment to maintain the beach’s pristine condition.
The Blue Flag certification is a globally recognised label awarded to beaches that meet stringent environmental, safety, and accessibility criteria. Following the success of Kovalam Beach in Chengalpattu, which was the first in Tamil Nadu to earn this status, Chief Minister Stalin has extended similar initiatives to other beaches in Chennai, Cuddalore, Ramanathapuram, and Thoothukudi.
The Greater Chennai Corporation is also preparing to launch Phase II of the Marina Beach enhancement project, covering the stretch from the Mahatma Gandhi statue to Nochi Nagar. This phase will add new toilets, changing rooms, solar-powered lighting, lifeguard stations, and grey water treatment systems. Wheelchair-accessible pathways and designated access points will ensure that the beach remains inclusive for all visitors.
With these upgrades, Marina Beach is set to become not just a scenic coastal attraction but also a model of eco-conscious and visitor-friendly tourism. As Chennai continues to invest in its coastline, locals and tourists alike can look forward to cleaner waters, improved facilities, and a richer beach-going experience.
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