Delhi Zoo set for Rs 400-crore modernisation; focus on animal welfare, visitor facilities

The National Zoological Park in Delhi is set for a major overhaul under a Rs 400-crore redevelopment plan , aimed at modernising animal enclosures, visitor facilities, and veterinary care. Work is expected to begin in February , pending final approval from the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change , a senior official said.

The Centre has granted in-principle approval for the project, and the proposal has been placed before the Delegated Investment Board , which clears major public infrastructure investments. Funding for the project will be drawn through this mechanism. Reliance's Greens Zoological Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre will play a significant advisory role, and many of its recommendations have been incorporated into the project blueprint. A long-term MoU with the centre will also support conservation, rehabilitation, and modern animal care practices.

The plan includes complete renovation of the zoo’s entrances , with new pickup and drop-off zones and a visitors’ centre. To ease traffic congestion, the existing foot overbridge on Mathura Road will be extended to the zoo entrance, and a new parking complex is planned to accommodate around 800 cars, 50 buses, and 1,000 two-wheelers. Outdated ticket counters will be replaced with modern systems, the food court will be expanded, and internal tracks used by zoo vehicles will be widened to ensure smoother circulation during peak hours.

Several outdated or damaged animal enclosures will be reconstructed or rebuilt to meet modern welfare standards. Viewing areas will be redesigned to allow safer and closer observation of wildlife while minimising stress for animals. Animal shelters will be upgraded, and a new reptile house will be constructed. The zoo’s wildlife hospital will be modernised and expanded to two to three times its current size, with multiple new wards for specialised treatment. The redevelopment plan will draw inspiration from leading international zoos and adopt innovative technologies to improve animal health, enclosure design, and visitor management.

Spread across 180 acres , the National Zoological Park was established on November 1, 1959 and remains one of Delhi’s most prominent public attractions, housing around 38 species of mammals , 156 new-born animals , and 76 free-range animals .