• Source:JND
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Hyderabad is set to launch its first ropeway service, connecting two of its iconic heritage sites, Golconda Fort and the Qutub Shahi Tombs. According to media reports, the 2-kilometre ropeway ride will be priced between Rs 100 and Rs 200. Officials noted that the service will cut down travel time between the two sites from the current 15-20 minutes to just 5-10 minutes.

Each cable car will accommodate up to six passengers and offer panoramic views of the historic landmarks. Currently, the two monuments draw around 5,000 to 8,000 visitors daily, with the number exceeding 10,000 on weekends, according to the Times of India.

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The ropeway is being developed by the Hyderabad Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority (HUMTA) in collaboration with the Ropeway and Rapid Transport System Development Corporation. The project will be similar to popular ropeways in Shimla, Manali, and Dharamshala.

“We cannot widen roads in this area because of narrow streets,” said HUMTA Managing Director B Jeeva Babu. “So we chose this solution to ease traffic and preserve the area,” quoted by the media report. 

He confirmed that two terminals will be constructed,  one near the entrance of Golconda Fort and the other at the Qutub Shahi Tombs complex. The ropeway will be supported by tall towers and will initially operate with two cable cars, with the potential to add more based on tourist demand.

HUMTA has issued tenders for the preparation of a detailed project report and feasibility study, with the submission deadline set for August 8.

"The primary objective is to provide efficient transport access for international and domestic visitors. As soon as the agency submits their feasibility report, we will commence the ropeway works," the MD told TOI.

Officials plan to begin construction immediately after the selected agency submits the feasibility report. The project will follow a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, involving shared responsibilities between a government body and a private company for financing, construction, and operation.

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Earlier in 2024, the central government had also announced a ropeway project at Bhuvanagiri Fort under the Swadesh Darshan 2.0 scheme, with an allocated budget of over Rs 50 crore.