The Union government’s approval for the ‘Alappuzha – A Global Water Wonderland’ project under the Swadesh Darshan 2.0 scheme is expected to give a major fillip to tourism in the district. The ₹93.17-crore project includes transforming the Alappuzha beach, canals and backwaters into an “iconic global tourist destination.”

The beachfront development, which envisions an ecologically sensitive upgrade of the area, includes setting up promenade walkways, parking lots, seating spaces, lighting, landscaping, spaces for conducting events, an Indian Coast Guard station, outdoor sports courts, and waste management facilities, among other amenities. A sum of ₹24.25 crore has been set aside for the project.

The ₹37-crore canal side transformation aims at restoring and revitalising the historic canals of Alappuzha town, “reintroducing them as thriving public spaces while respecting their ecological and cultural significance.” As part of the project, walkways, seating, lighting, plazas, boat docks, cafes and boat jetty development, among other works, will be carried out.

Cruise terminal

An international cruise terminal with parking, marina, experience centre, information kiosks, water adventure zone, restaurant, and toilets will come up at Punnamada Finishing Point at a cost of ₹8.5 crore.

Besides, a sum of ₹4 crore has been earmarked for ‘soft intervention,’ which includes cultural and heritage integration, community engagement, environmental sustainability, digital and smart tourism initiatives, training programmes, first aid and waste management.

Officials said that the Union Ministry of Tourism had already sanctioned the first instalment of ₹9.31 crore for the project.

Earlier, the State government submitted the Detailed Project Report to the Ministry of Tourism. Further, on March 3, 2025, a detailed presentation was made before the Mission Directorate. The project received administrative and financial sanction on March 26.

The project is expected to be completed by March 31, 2026.