A view of the 65-foot ‘Trishul’ structure developed by VMRDA atop Kailasagiri in Visakhapatnam.
| Photo Credit: K.R. Deepak
The skyline of Kailasagiri gained a towering new landmark as a 65-foot-high Trident (Trishul) was inaugurated on Saturday (May 9, 2026), marking a significant step in the city’s push toward becoming a top-tier international tourism destination.
The inauguration was led by Municipal Administration and Urban Development Minister P. Narayana, MSME Minister Kondapalli Srinivas, and Visakhapatnam MP Matukumilli Sribharat, alongside several regional legislators and officials.
Feat of engineering and spirituality
The massive structure, which includes a Damarukam, was completed in approximately eight months at an estimated cost of ₹6 crore. Given Kailasagiri’s coastal elevation and susceptibility to high-velocity winds, the MP highlighted that the Trident was built to rigorous engineering specifications, capable of withstanding wind speeds of up to 250 km/h.
“Kailasagiri already holds immense spiritual significance due to the iconic Shiva-Parvathi statues,” Minister Narayana said.
MP Sribharat said, “the addition of this grand Trident enhances the destination’s grandeur, offering visitors a blend of spiritual reverence and breathtaking panoramic views of the city.”
Integrated ecosystem master plan
On the other hand, Visakhapatnam MP Sribharat revealed that a comprehensive master plan is currently in development to elevate Visakhapatnam’s tourism profile on the global stage. The strategy focuses on creating a tourism ecosystem that encourages longer stays.
The MP outlined a vision to integrate three of the city’s major landmarks; Indira Gandhi Zoological Park, Kailasagiri Hilltop, and Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary.
“Our objective is to develop Visakhapatnam into a destination where tourists can spend four to five days immersed in nature, spirituality, and modern tourism within a single integrated hub,” Mr. Sribharat added.
Attendees of the event included MLAs Palla Srinivasa Rao (Gajuwaka), Vishnu Kumar Raju (Vizag North), Vamsi Krishna Srinivas (Vizag South), Panchakarla Ramesh Babu (Pendurthi), and Lokam Naga Madhavi (Nellimarla), as well as VMRDA Chairman Pranav Gopal and Commissioner Tej Bharat.
Enhancing visitor experience
Beyond the monument itself, the project includes: special pathway zones dedicated to walking areas for easier accessibility, improved amenities designed to handle the increasing influx of domestic and international tourists and scenic viewpoints which are strategically developed spots for photography and city-viewing.
Published – May 09, 2026 02:43 pm IST
