Tamil Nadu to Invest Rs 100 Crore to Upgrade Mamallapuram Tourism Infrastructure

The Tamil Nadu government has announced a Rs 100 crore investment to enhance tourism infrastructure in Mamallapuram, one of the state’s most iconic heritage destinations. The initiative aims to improve visitor facilities, strengthen heritage conservation and position the coastal town as a global tourism hub. The announcement was made as part of the state’s tourism policy framework, which focuses on tourism-led economic development.

Mamallapuram, a UNESCO-recognised heritage site, is known for its rock-cut temples, ancient sculptures and shoreline monuments that attract visitors from across India and overseas. The new investment will focus on upgrading basic amenities, improving access roads, enhancing public spaces and developing modern tourism infrastructure to create a more comfortable and immersive experience for tourists.

Chief Minister M K Stalin unveiled the project during the Tamil Nadu Global Tourism Summit 2026, highlighting the government’s plan to establish a Special Area Development Authority for Mamallapuram. This dedicated authority will oversee infrastructure planning, heritage protection and tourism development, ensuring that growth is sustainable and sensitive to the site’s historical significance.

According to officials, the investment is expected to boost footfall, generate employment opportunities for local communities and encourage private sector participation in hospitality and allied services. The improved infrastructure is also likely to extend tourist stays, benefiting hotels, restaurants, transport operators and local artisans.

The Mamallapuram project builds on Tamil Nadu’s recent track record in tourism development. Over the past five years, the state has invested around Rs 612 crore in tourism infrastructure across multiple destinations. These efforts have helped attract more than 128.9 crore domestic tourists and about 45 lakh foreign visitors, reinforcing tourism as a key economic driver for the state.

Looking ahead, the government plans to host Tamil Nadu’s first-ever Tamil Biennale in January 2027. The international art and cultural event is expected to further elevate the state’s profile on the global tourism map and complement heritage destinations such as Mamallapuram.

With focused investments, institutional support and a clear long-term vision, Tamil Nadu is positioning Mamallapuram not just as a historic landmark, but as a vibrant, world-class tourism destination that balances preservation with modern visitor expectations.