The iconic Marina Beach in Chennai is set for another round of eco-friendly upgrades as the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) kicks off the second phase of its ambitious redevelopment project. This comes even as questions are being raised about the maintenance of facilities created in the first phase, which have reportedly suffered damage.
What's New in Phase II?
The civic body has begun work on the Phase II redevelopment opposite Vivekananda House, with an estimated budget of 6 crore rupees. The project, covering 19 acres, aims to significantly enhance the visitor experience with a host of new amenities designed with sustainability in mind.
According to K Umapathy, superintendent engineer of GCC's special projects department, many features from the initial phase will be retained. To attract more visitors, the corporation is planning unique additions like bamboo selfie points, quiet meditation and reading rooms, and two special vending machines. These machines will collect used plastic bottles and dispense 'manja pai' (cloth bags), though the final cost for the bags is still being decided.
The comprehensive plan includes installing 40 recliner chairs, 20 bamboo umbrellas, new watchtowers, and children's play areas at four different locations. In a significant move for inclusivity, 15 balloon wheelchairs will be provided for persons with disabilities. To manage the large area, a 360-meter boundary will be fenced. Ensuring cleanliness remains a priority, with dustbins to be placed across the beach and sanitary workers assigned for routine cleaning.
Addressing Parking and Past Problems
Recognizing a long-standing issue, the GCC has initiated a survey to streamline the currently unregulated parking system for Marina visitors. The new arrangements are expected to be implemented soon, with visitors advised to use existing facilities in the interim.
However, the launch of Phase II is shadowed by concerns over the upkeep of Phase I facilities. The first phase, developed behind the swimming pool at a cost of 7.31 crore rupees and inaugurated in August 2025, has seen damage to its recliner chairs and play areas. Regular visitors allege poor maintenance by the civic body.
"We cannot entirely blame the department for the damage, as visitors also have a responsibility to use the facilities carefully," said T Vasudevan, a frequent beachgoer. "However, if the authorities concerned notice damage, it should be rectified immediately, which does not always happen."
Quality Checks and Future Assurance
Responding to the criticism, a GCC official stated that damages are addressed promptly based on inspections and public complaints. The official emphasized that teams are in place to prevent vandalism of public property.
Looking ahead to the new phase, the official assured that strict quality checks are being enforced during the manufacturing of all new facilities to avoid even minor defects. The goal is to create durable infrastructure that can withstand the heavy usage expected at one of the world's most visited urban beaches.
The success of the Marina Beach redevelopment now hinges on a dual challenge: executing an innovative, eco-conscious second phase while establishing a robust and responsive maintenance regime for the long term.
