Hyderabad: The Telangana government is developing a Rs 56.81 crore tourism project at the historic Bhongir Fort under the Swadesh Darshan 2.0 scheme, with a ropeway, heritage restoration and a range of visitor facilities planned for completion by October 2.
Tourism Minister Jupally Krishna Rao, who inspected the site on Monday, June 22, expressed displeasure over the pace of work and directed officials to meet the deadline.
The ropeway
The centrepiece of the project is a 1,020-metre ropeway worth Rs 17.91 crore that will connect the base of the fort to its hilltop.
It will have six passenger cabins and one standby cabin, each capable of carrying six people, and is designed to handle between 250 and 300 visitors per hour at a maximum speed of six metres per second.
What else is planned
Beyond the ropeway, the project includes parking areas, approach roads and 20 electric vehicles for ferrying tourists within the site. A cafeteria, food kiosks, a viewing gallery and an interpretation centre are also part of the plan.
On the heritage front, the project covers restoration of historic structures, beautification of water bodies, construction of new pathways and repair of old steps. Decorative lighting will be installed across the fort.
Visitor amenities, including closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras, a public address system, toilets and seating areas, round out the package.
Bhongir Fort, located about 50 kilometres from Hyderabad, is one of Telangana’s most visited historical sites. Officials expect the upgraded facilities to significantly boost tourist footfall once the project is complete.
