Vizag's Floating Restaurant Project Remains Stalled for 5 Years Due to CRZ Clearance Delays
The much-hyped floating restaurant project in Visakhapatnam continues to face an uncertain fate, having been stalled for over five years despite repeated assurances from successive governments. The ambitious tourism initiative, which aims to transform a stranded cargo vessel into a landmark attraction, remains entangled in bureaucratic delays primarily concerning Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) clearances.
From Stranded Vessel to Tourism Vision
The project's origins trace back to October 13, 2020, when the Bangladesh cargo vessel MV Maa ran aground near Tenneti Park beach due to adverse sea conditions. After the ship's owner abandoned it citing prohibitively high salvage costs, Vizag-based Gill Marines purchased the vessel from insurers PNI Club (North of England) for ₹1.25 crore in a strategic acquisition.
In January 2021, the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (APTDC) announced ambitious plans to convert the 79-meter-long ship, which has two cargo holds and weighs approximately 3,000 tonnes, into a significant tourism attraction. The initial target completion date was set for July 2022, generating considerable public anticipation for what promised to be a unique addition to Vizag's tourism landscape.
Partnership Structure and Implementation Challenges
Under the formal agreement established between stakeholders, Gill Marines assumed responsibility for the vessel's salvage operations, development work, and ongoing maintenance. Meanwhile, APTDC committed to facilitating necessary permissions and developing shore-side infrastructure to support the project.
However, the implementation phase has encountered persistent obstacles, with approvals repeatedly delayed despite the project's tourism potential. APTDC officials have consistently cited pending Coastal Regulation Zone clearances as the primary bottleneck, even though the conversion involves no new construction—merely the adaptive reuse of an existing structure.
Financial Strain and Maintenance Burden
Surender Singh Gill, owner of Gill Marines, has expressed growing frustration with the prolonged delays, which have created severe financial strain for his company. "We have been spending Rs 20 to Rs 25 lakh annually for the past five years on maintenance of the ship," Gill revealed. "This substantial investment aims to prevent environmental and safety hazards while preserving what we believe is a valuable tourism asset for Visakhapatnam."
The maintenance costs have accumulated significantly over the years, with Gill Marines bearing the financial burden to keep the vessel from deteriorating. Gill emphasized that the ship remains suitable for public viewing on an "as-is, where-is" basis, requiring only permissions to open for tourism activities rather than extensive structural modifications.
Bureaucratic Hurdles and Policy Uncertainty
Despite repeated representations to authorities, Gill reports receiving no clarity on timelines or policy direction for resolving the clearance impasse. "We are appealing to the authorities to expedite clearances and permissions for the project," he stated. "The vessel could be opened for public viewing and tourism activities immediately if bureaucratic hurdles were addressed."
APTDC officials have confirmed that a dedicated CRZ committee has been formed to review the project comprehensively. This committee is expected to submit its findings and recommendations to the government, which will ultimately decide the project's fate. Meanwhile, APTDC has already acquired necessary land from the Forest Department, indicating some preparatory progress despite the overarching delays.
Broader Implications for Vizag Tourism
The floating restaurant project represents more than just a single tourism initiative—it symbolizes the challenges facing infrastructure development in coastal regions governed by environmental regulations. The Tourism Department had previously signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Shore and Ship Resort Pvt Ltd specifically for converting the vessel into a floating restaurant, and while forest department clearances have been obtained, the crucial CRZ nod remains elusive.
As the project enters its sixth year of uncertainty, stakeholders continue to await decisive action from authorities. The situation highlights the delicate balance between environmental protection and tourism development, particularly in ecologically sensitive coastal areas like Visakhapatnam. With significant private investment already committed and maintenance costs mounting annually, the resolution of this impasse will set important precedents for future tourism projects in Andhra Pradesh's coastal regions.
