T’puram: The makeover of Kovalam Beach is set to be delayed yet again as none of the bids submitted for a temporary refurbishment project met the qualification criteria. The setback casts fresh doubts over a long-promised Rs 93 crore revival plan that failed to take off on the ground despite repeated assurances.The implementing agency, Wapcos Ltd, a central public sector enterprise appointed as special purpose vehicle for Kovalam Tourism Development Project, floated a tender in Dec 2025 for a stopgap refurbishment package valued at Rs 7.75 crore. The scope of work included basic repairs such as strengthening the 700m beach walkway, upgrading public amenities, and improvements to police aid post and other civil facilities to make the beach safer and more tourist-friendly ahead of the next high season.
However, when the bids were opened in the first week of this month, none of the submissions were deemed qualified. Following this, the project was re-tendered with new set of bids scheduled to be opened in first week of March. A senior Wapcos official said: “We are aiming for a bidder who meets all the criteria because this project is not just about refurbishment but about sustaining the legacy of Kovalam.” Despite the urgency, the project approved by state cabinet in 2023, remains stalled. That comprehensive initiative envisages a sweeping transformation of Kovalam and its adjacent beaches but no major construction yet commenced.Meanwhile, Kovalam’s infrastructure continues to show signs of stress. Visitors and locals highlight damaged walkways, dysfunctional streetlights and poor basic amenities that marred the beach’s appeal. Reports of cracked and unsafe pathways prompted safety warnings for tourists during the peak season.
