VMRDA launches Green Triangle Ecotourism project in Visakhapatnam

Imagine a single green corridor—spanning a staggering 18,000 acres—where a travel enthusiast can journey from a mountaintop to a wildlife sanctuary, all under the glow of simulated moonlight. This project, known as the ‘Green Triangle’ vision, is currently being fast-tracked by the Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region Development Authority (VMRDA). The master blueprint for the project is scheduled to be finalised in July 2026.

The city’s most popular green spaces—Indira Gandhi Zoological Park, Kailasagiri Hill, and Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary—will be integrated into a single tourism circuit. Instead of visiting these locations separately, tourists will soon enjoy a connected experience with enhanced transportation, unified entry options, and shared visitor amenities.

Visakhapatnam’s 55-metre-long glass skywalk bridge at Kailasagiri Hill in Visakhapatnam.
| Photo Credit:
K.R. DEEPAK

The VMRDA has issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) for a Concept Development Consultant with February 21, 2026, as last date. The authority aims to award the work to selected consultant in March 2026, and the appointed consultant will be required to develop a “Concept Development Plan.”

This project will likely include sustainable mobility systems such as electric shuttles or trams that will move through different geographical zones instead of walking, allowing tourists to be driven through “safe zones” in the forest at night, where they can spot wildlife and other nocturnal animals in their natural habitat. It will also include a River Wonders (aquatic) park, which is possible in the Kambalakonda wildlife sanctuary.

“Yes, we have an ambitious plan to connect the surrounding green cover zones into one large circuit. By connecting Kailasagiri to the beach, zoo, and sanctuary, Vizag can offer a ‘sea to forest’ night experience,” VMRDA Chairman Pranav Gopal told The Hindu.

This project will provide employment opportunities for people, including the tribal communities living in the nearby Shambhuvanipalem village in Madhurawada zone. These locals live in the forest and are familiar with every path there. The project aims to train these villagers as professional “night guides,” transforming them into key custodians and storytellers for the safari, another VMRDA official said.

The Green Triangle circuit is also being integrated into the VMRDA Master Plan 2041, ensuring that new roads and transportation links built across the city will connect directly to this tourism hub.

Meanwhile, the project was discussed with Minister for Municipal Administration and Urban Development P. Narayana, who gave his in-principle approval. VMRDA Commissioner Tej Bharat also participated in the meeting. VMRDA sources said that the Minister emphasised that this circuit should not only be a tourist attraction but also a strong economic asset for the city.