Andhra Pradesh is about to get its own version of Goa’s iconic beach culture. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has officially proposed Goa-style beach shacks along the state’s 1,000-kilometer coastline, with plans to permit the sale of beer and food at these beachside setups.
The decision, approved in the recent cabinet meeting chaired by Naidu, marks a major shift in Andhra Pradesh’s tourism policy and could transform the state into India’s newest beach tourism destination.
What’s the Plan?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Beach Shacks | Goa-style temporary structures along the coast |
| Alcohol Permission | Beer and food sales allowed at shacks |
| Location | All major beaches — Vizag, Bapatla, Pulicat, Rishikonda |
| Investment | ₹97 crore for beach development projects |
| Target Tourists | 5 lakh visitors per month (from current 1 lakh) |
Why This Matters
Andhra Pradesh has nearly 1,000 km of coastline — longer than Goa — but has never tapped its full tourism potential. Now, the state is stepping forward to become “India’s Next Goa” on the eastern coast.
Chandrababu Naidu made the announcement during his visit to Suryalanka Beach in Bapatla, where he said:
“Today I’m seeing Suryalanka Beach. It’s one of the best beaches near Bapatla. Everyone is going to Goa. Tomorrow the whole world will come to Suryalanka.”
The Beach Tourism Boom
Suryalanka Beach — AP’s Future Star
Suryalanka Beach in Bapatla is already attracting:
- 1 lakh+ visitors monthly
- 2 lakh more from nearby Chirala and Ramapuram beaches
- Hotel prices jumping from ₹3,000 to ₹7,000 on weekends
The government has identified 20–25 acres of land for hotels and hospitality zones, with development projects worth ₹97 crore already underway.
Vizag — Getting the Shack Treatment
Visakhapatnam is set to be the first city to get Goa-style beach shacks:
- Rishikonda Beach — primary location for shacks
- Promenade Beach — secondary location
- Adventure sports events already launched
The Economic Impact
This isn’t just about tourism — it’s about jobs and revenue:
| Sector | Expected Impact |
|---|---|
| Local Businesses | 10,000+ new shack owners/operators |
| Employment | 50,000+ jobs in hospitality |
| Tourism Revenue | ₹5,000+ crore annually |
| Hotel Industry | 30–50% occupancy increase |
| Local Economy | Historic boost for coastal villages |
What’s Allowed at the Shacks?
The policy introduces Goa’s model to Andhra:
- Food and beverages — including beer
- Beach seating — temporary structures
- Entertainment — live music, cultural events
- Water sports — jet skiing, parasailing
- 24/7 operations — all-night beach access
This is a major change — Andhra Pradesh has historically been conservative about alcohol and late-night beach activities.
The Tourism Vision
The government’s goal is clear:
- Current: 1 lakh tourists/month at Suryalanka
- Target: 5 lakh tourists/month by 2027
- Timeline: 18 months to infrastructure completion”With Naidu’s vision, Bapatla will become famous. Development work is happening fast. In the future, this will become another Goa.”
What’s Next?
| Timeline | What Happens |
|---|---|
| June 2026 | First shacks approved at Vizag |
| July 2026 | Shack licenses awarded to private operators |
| August 2026 | First shacks open at Bapatla |
| December 2026 | 50+ shacks operational across AP |
| January 2027 | Sankranthi beach tourism festival |
The Controversy
Not everyone is happy with the plan:
- Conservative groups — oppose alcohol at beaches
- Environmentalists — worry about beach pollution
- Local fishermen — concerned about beach access
But the government is pushing ahead, saying sanitation and monitoring systems will be in place to address concerns.
The Bottom Line
Andhra Pradesh is betting big on beach tourism — and Goa-style shacks are the centerpiece.
“Inka Goa vellakarledu mawa” — “We don’t need to go to Goa anymore, brother” — is the new slogan circulating on social media.
With 1,000 km of coastline, ₹97 crore investment, and a bold vision to become India’s “Next Goa,” Andhra Pradesh is positioning itself as the eastern coast’s premier beach destination.
