Tourism – Karnataka Advances Ropeway Expansion Across 13 High-Visitor Destinations
Tourism – Karnataka has initiated the next phase of its tourism infrastructure expansion by moving forward with ropeway projects at 13 popular destinations across the state. The initiative is aimed at improving visitor access to major heritage sites, waterfalls, forts, temples and hill locations while supporting tourism growth.
The Karnataka government has begun the process of developing ropeway facilities at 13 new locations identified for their strong tourist footfall. The proposed projects are expected to improve connectivity to several prominent attractions and reduce travel challenges for visitors. During a review meeting on Monday, Tourism and Energy Minister KJ George instructed officials to accelerate the planning process and ensure that the proposals are placed before the next State Cabinet meeting for approval.
Feasibility studies progressing for selected projects
The government has assigned RITES to conduct detailed feasibility studies for all proposed ropeway projects. According to officials, reports for eight of the 13 locations have already been completed, allowing the administration to move ahead with the next stage of planning.
The minister also directed officials to secure all mandatory approvals from the Forest Department, Environment Department and other statutory authorities before inviting tenders. He stressed that every project must meet regulatory requirements to avoid delays during implementation.
Focus on early clearance for Mullayanagiri project
Among the proposed developments, the Mullayanagiri Ropeway Project received special attention during the review. George instructed officials to obtain the required permissions without delay and asked RITES to submit the remaining feasibility report within one month.
Officials noted that projects located in environmentally sensitive areas, particularly Mallalli Falls in Kodagu and Mullayanagiri Peak in Chikkamagaluru, will require detailed environmental and forest clearances because the proposed ropeways are expected to pass between hill ranges.
Nandi Hills and Chamundi Hills not part of current proposal
The latest list does not include Nandi Hills or Chamundi Hills, both of which are among Karnataka’s well-known tourist destinations. Explaining the omission, Tourism Department Secretary Dr. KV Trilok Chandra said that work related to the Nandi Hills ropeway is already in progress, making its inclusion in the new proposal unnecessary.
He also confirmed that Chamundi Hills has not been included in the present phase of ropeway planning. Officials indicated that project selection was based on current priorities and ongoing administrative processes.
Project plans revised after stakeholder consultations
Authorities have also modified certain project alignments following consultations with stakeholders. At Anjanadri Hill in Koppal, the ropeway alignment was revised after receiving feedback from concerned groups.
Similarly, recommendations from the Archaeological Department were incorporated into the revised draft for the proposed ropeway at Madhugiri Fort in Tumakuru. These changes are intended to balance tourism development with the protection of historically and culturally significant sites.
The government plans to execute all ropeway projects under the Build, Own, Operate and Transfer (BOOT) model, allowing private partners to develop, manage and operate the facilities for a specified period before transferring them to the government.
List of proposed ropeway destinations
The proposed ropeway projects cover a wide range of tourist destinations across Karnataka, including Madhugiri Fort in Tumakuru, Mallalli Falls in Kodagu, Anjanadri Hill in Koppal, Ballari Fort in Ballari, Nrupatunga Hill in Dharwad, Yadgir Fort, Mylara Lingeshwara Temple in Yadgir, Holalamma Temple and Kalakaleshwara Temple in Gadag, Savadatti Yellamma Temple and Gokak Falls in Belagavi, Devaragudda Malatesha Temple in Haveri, and Mullayanagiri Peak in Chikkamagaluru.
Officials said preliminary feasibility studies have already been completed for Anjanadri Hill, Mylara Lingeshwara Temple, Devaragudda Malatesha Temple and Gokak Falls, helping speed up the planning process for these locations.