Singapore‑Model Tunnel‑Style Aquarium Planned at Hyderabad Zoo: A Game‑Changer for 2026 Visitor Experience

Hyderabad’s Nehru Zoological Park is set to transform into a world‑class destination with the unveiling of a Singapore‑model tunnel‑style aquarium by 2026, a visionary project aimed at elevating the zoo’s appeal and setting a new standard for immersive marine exhibits in India. Announced in June 2025, this ambitious Rs 50‑100 crore investment, executed through a public–private partnership, will span approximately 4,000 sq m (roughly one acre) and feature a walk‑through acrylic tunnel designed to mimic the seamless underwater viewing experiences seen in top global aquariums. The design, inspired by Singapore’s renowned marine attractions, will allow visitors to stroll beneath vibrant marine ecosystems, including exotic fish from Asia, Africa, and the Americas as well as potentially small sharks and reef species, offering striking 180‑degree panoramic views. This tunnel aquarium, developed in collaboration with leading international firms from Singapore and Australia, received preliminary approval from the Central Zoo Authority, and is expected to draw significantly larger crowds by merging education, conservation, and recreation under one roof. It will likely complement newly constructed attractions at Nehru Zoo such as a bullet‑proof glass tiger enclosure, enhancing the overall visitor journey. Built with cutting‑edge technologies, the facility will include separate freshwater and marine habitats, interactive touch‑tank zones, an underwater dome theatre, and engaging kiosks aimed at environmental awareness and wildlife conservation messaging. Its strategic launch aligns with Hyderabad’s growing reputation as a tourism hub and aims to compete with other major Indian aquariums like Ahmedabad’s Science City aquatic gallery and Thrissur’s Marine World. Alongside the educational mandate, the attraction is poised to offer economic benefits, generating jobs, promoting research, and creating a platform for breeding or rehabilitating endangered aquatic species. While animal welfare groups have raised valid concerns around biodiversity and ethical sourcing, the zoo administration has emphasized that species will be responsibly sourced through captive‑breeding programs and sustainable partnerships. As the project moves toward groundbreaking in late 2025 and completion in mid‑2026, its potential to redefine visitor engagement, strengthen conservation outreach, and boost Hyderabad’s eco‑tourism credentials is unmistakable. The Singapore‑style tunnel aquarium at Hyderabad Zoo promises to be more than just an exhibit—it aims to be a catalyst for public education, marine conservation, and experiential learning, perfectly blending awe‑inspiring visuals with purpose‑driven storytelling, and marking a significant leap for India’s zoological and aquatic landscape.