Nagpur: Whether it is ziplining through forests, scaling artificial rock walls or balancing across rope bridges, adventure enthusiasts in Nagpur have only one option — hit the highway, travel 40-50km to experience adventure sports at resorts and recreational parks in hills or forests.That is set to change this October. Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) is developing what will be the city’s first full-fledged urban adventure park inside Lata Mangeshkar Udyan in East Nagpur. The Rs8.79-crore project is currently in its final phase.Officials said installation of all adventure equipment has been targeted for completion within the next three months. The remaining period will be utilised for civil infrastructure, landscaping, safety certification and trial operations before the gates are thrown open.The project is significant not merely because of the rides it offers but because it marks a shift in the way urban parks are being designed. Traditionally, civic gardens have been passive recreational spaces with walking tracks, lawns and children’s play equipment. The new facility attempts to convert a public garden into an activity-driven destination capable of attracting families, school groups, fitness enthusiasts and young professionals.The park will house 15 adventure attractions, including a single-rope zipline, climbing wall, rappelling wall, sky cycling, bungee ejection, low-rope course, suspension bridge, canopy walk, Burma bridge, big swing, sky roller, rope climbing, net climbing, trampoline park and slippery wall.Over the last few years, several private adventure destinations have come up within a 50km radius of Nagpur, particularly along the Pench, Wardha, Umred, Chhindwara, Ramtek and Katol road corridors. While these have become popular weekend getaways, they require private transport and an entire day’s commitment. The new civic facility is expected to bridge that gap by offering similar experiences within a short drive from any part of the city.The project has been divided into two components. Around Rs4.58 crore has been earmarked for civil construction and horticulture works, while Rs 4.20 crore has been allocated for adventure equipment and operational systems.Supporting infrastructure is also being created alongside the rides. The civic body is constructing pathways, drainage, fencing, retaining structures, toilets, ticket counters, office space, food kiosks and security facilities. Extensive landscaping with lawns, flowering plants and ornamental species will ensure the garden also retains its green character.The climbing wall, one of the park’s most striking features, has already been erected. Large rope-course structures and elevated adventure platforms now dominate the skyline of the garden. Civil works around the site are also advancing simultaneously.Officials said safety remains the primary focus. Every activity will use certified operational equipment and trained personnel will supervise visitors. The facility is expected to cater to both beginners and experienced participants, with varying levels of difficulty across attractions.The adventure installations are being executed by Pune-based XS Limit Adventure World Pvt Ltd, while Nagpur-based MSL Bajaj & Company is handling the civil and horticulture works. The project has been designed by Delhi architect Divya Saini.Beyond recreation, the civic body hopes the park will create a new urban leisure destination in East Nagpur, an area that has traditionally lacked premium public recreational infrastructure. It is also expected to encourage school excursions, youth training programmes and family outings while generating revenue for NMC through entry fees and activity charges.“Nagpur has 204 gardens, but this will be the city’s first dedicated urban adventure park with professionally designed adventure activities. Installation of the adventure equipment will be completed within the next three months. Civil works, landscaping and mandatory safety checks will continue simultaneously, and we are targeting to open the park for citizens by the end of October. The objective is to provide a safe, affordable and easily accessible adventure destination within the city so that families, youngsters and schoolchildren need not travel long distances to experience such activities,” said Ganesh Rathore, Deputy Municipal Commissioner (Garden), NMC.# Self sustaining methodNMC has designed the Lata Mangeshkar Adventure Park as a self-sustaining facility with multiple revenue streams instead of relying solely on civic funding. Income will be generated through entry tickets, adventure activity charges, food courts and cafés, toilet PPP, parking fees, event hosting, sponsorships, advertising panels and festivals. School excursions, musical and cultural events are also expected to generate revenue.# EXCITING RIDE ON OFFERProject cost: Rs 8.79 croreCivil & horticulture works: Rs 4.58 croreAdventure equipment: Rs 4.20 croreOpening target: End of October 2026Adventure attractions: 15Key activities: Zipline, Sky Cycle, Bungee Ejection, Climbing Wall, Rappelling Wall, Suspension Bridge, Canopy Walk, Big Swing, Trampoline Park, Rope Course and Net Climbing
