Hyderabad is set to join a growing league of global experiential cities with the state government approving a large-scale urban entertainment district anchored by India’s first Crystal Lagoons powered urban beach. The Rs 850-crore project, to be led by the regional development partner of the global brand, marks a significant shift in how Indian cities are positioning themselves for tourism- and experience-led economic growth.
Approved by the state’s tourism and culture authorities, the initiative forms part of Telangana’s broader strategy to diversify its urban economy while nurturing climate-resilient, citizen-friendly public destinations. Officials noted that the proposed development at Bharath Future City would serve as a “next-generation recreational hub” with a strong focus on sustainability and inclusive access. The project aims to integrate leisure, retail, sports, hospitality, and public activity zones into a single walkable precinct designed to draw large visitor footfall over the next decade. A senior official involved in the process said the government sees the lagoon-led model already in use across cities like Dubai, Miami, and Orlando as a way to create high-quality public environments with lower water consumption and reduced ecological impact. The use of advanced blue-water technology, they added, allows large water bodies to be maintained with significantly less energy compared with conventional recreational pools. Industry experts believe this aligns well with Hyderabad’s ongoing push toward more resilient and eco-sensitive urban infrastructure. Developers behind the initiative said they view the project as an opportunity to introduce new recreational formats that Indian metropolitan regions have so far lacked. A representative from the development management team described the approval as “a pivotal moment for Hyderabad’s tourism narrative”, emphasising that the lagoon environment would act as an anchor for a full-scale entertainment and lifestyle district. The project is expected to generate direct and indirect employment across planning, engineering, hospitality, and retail.
According to company executives, work will now begin on master planning, feasibility assessments, and technical designs in collaboration with international partners. These will be aligned with the objectives of the Telangana Tourism Policy 2025-30, which encourages large-scale private participation in experience-driven urban projects while prioritising environmental safeguards. Urban experts caution that while experiential infrastructures can enhance the liveability and identity of cities, equitable access and thoughtful environmental management must remain at the forefront. They argue that public-oriented developments of this scale should contribute not only to tourism but also to creating healthier, climate-conscious, gender-inclusive, and socially accessible urban spaces.
If executed as envisioned, the project could offer Hyderabad a new civic landmark one that blends leisure with sustainability while supporting the city’s economic transition. For residents, it could pave the way for more diverse public experiences; for policymakers, it could serve as a test case in designing large recreational hubs that prioritise ecological responsibility alongside economic ambition.
Also Read: Hyderabad Developers Win Telangana’s Second Highest Land Bid For Cascades Neopolis Project
