A view of the 65-foot ‘Trishul’ structure developed by VMRDA atop Kailasagiri in Visakhapatnam on Friday.
| Photo Credit: K.R. DEEPAK
Kailasagiri, one of Visakhapatnam’s most recognisable hilltop destinations, is set to unveil a 65-foot Trishul structure on Saturday, adding a new spiritual and tourism attraction to the scenic locale overlooking the Bay of Bengal.Visakhapatnam Member of Parliament M. Sribharat, along with Minister for Municipal Administration and Urban Development Ponguru Narayana, is scheduled to inaugurate the project at 8.15 a.m. The structure was developed by the Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region Development Authority (VMRDA) at a cost of ₹3 crore and has been installed on the northern side of the hilltop, from where it is visible from the National Highway and several parts of the city.“Kailasagiri already has the statues of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Since the Trishul is associated with Lord Shiva, we felt it would complement the spiritual character of the hill while also strengthening its appeal as a tourist destination,” VMRDA Chairman M.V. Pranav Gopal told The Hindu on Friday.Spread across nearly 380 acres and situated approximately 360 feet above sea level, Kailasagiri has evolved over the years into one of the city’s foremost tourism landmarks. The hilltop park draws visitors with its landscaped gardens, ropeway, viewpoints, and the iconic Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati statues that have come to define Visakhapatnam’s skyline. In recent years, the authority has introduced additional attractions, including a glass bridge, sky cycling, and zipline facilities.“As part of our efforts to further develop Kailasagiri into a tourism hub, we wanted to create a landmark structure that also reflects the spiritual identity of the place,” Mr. Pranav Gopal said.Built using Fibre-Reinforced Plastic (FRP), the structure took approximately eight months to complete. Engineered to withstand cyclonic winds and seismic activity, the illuminated installation features internal LED lighting, enabling it to remain visible from distant parts of the city after dark. According to VMRDA, the Trishul rises 65 feet from base to tip, while the attached Damarukam measures 10 feet in height and 18 feet in width. A separate ornamental section stands 25 feet tall with a width of 20 feet. The components were fabricated in Pune and subsequently assembled at the site. A viewing platform spanning nearly 30 feet has also been developed around the structure.Mr. Pranav Gopal noted that the proposal was initiated following public feedback and subsequently presented to Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and IT Minister Nara Lokesh, both of whom extended their support to the project. Published - May 08, 2026 08:29 pm IST
