Patna: An eco-tourism project billed as the ‘Gateway of VTR’ is set to open in Bihar’s West Champaran district later this month, offering visitors to Valmiki Tiger Reserve a new space designed for leisure and nature-based recreation.
Developed by the state’s department of environment, forest and climate change, the site lies within the Bagaha forest division’s Madanpur range and is nearing completion after months of construction. Officials say the facility is likely to be inaugurated in the final week of April, subject to last-minute clearances.
Spread across roughly 0.55 acres, the project has been built at a cost of about Rs 3.13 crore. It features a large entrance gateway, landscaped green areas, seating spaces and a layout intended to blend with the surrounding forest environment.
Authorities say the site has been designed to cater to tourists seeking a quieter experience close to nature, particularly those visiting Valmikinagar, a known entry point to the reserve.
According to a forest officer from the Bagaha division, most of the park infrastructure has been completed, while finishing touches are being added to the gateway. A proposal for an entry fee has been submitted and is expected to be finalised soon, with officials indicating that affordability will be a key consideration.
The facility will include basic visitor amenities such as rest areas and snack options, alongside dedicated provisions aimed at families, including spaces for children. Security measures, including CCTV surveillance and perimeter fencing, have been installed to safeguard visitors and minimise the risk of wildlife intrusion.
Lighting installations have also been added, allowing the site to remain visually accessible after dusk.
Officials say the project is expected to boost tourism in the region and generate local employment, positioning the new gateway as an additional attraction alongside the tiger reserve.
