New ropeway,1,020 meters long,set to be centerpiece of ₹56.81-crore revamp of Bhongir Fort in Telangana . Dubbed Bhongir Fort Experiential Zone,project aims to boost access,visitor experience while keeping fort's historic vibe intact. Telangana Tourism and Culture Minister Jupally Krishna Rao wants this done by October 2,urging nonstop work to hit deadline .
During site check Monday,Rao showed frustration over construction delays,stressing need for constant project monitoring. Lower station plans include hotel,parking,restrooms,children's play area,lighting for rock garden. At upper station,Minister reviewed plans for fort restoration,water body beautification,and setting up cafeteria,interpretation center focusing on fort's history .
Ropeway, pegged at ₹17.91 crore, will use monocable jig-back tech,designed to carry 250-300 passengers per hour. Its six cabins,plus one reserve,each hold six passengers,operating speeds zero to six meters per second. Remaining ₹38.90 crore targets heritage restoration,infrastructure upgrades .
Rao emphasized government's push to modernize fort,to turn it into top tourist spot under Swadesh Darshan Scheme 2.0. Project involves extensive fort restoration,facility improvements,new amenities like viewing gallery,food kiosks,stone-clad walls .
“Heritage conservation,modern amenities,better tourism experiences,and ropeway will boost tourist numbers,” Rao said. He also announced ₹5 crore for integrated development of Phanigiri Buddhist site,calling it major Buddhist heritage center in South India. Preservation of cultural sites is key,he stressed Buddhism's peace,humanitarian values as vital for future generations.
Besides fort project,Rao visited historic Sri Someswara Swamy Temple in Kolanupaka,offering special prayers. Allocated another ₹5 crore for temple's development,including better surroundings,expanded pilgrim amenities,improved sanitation. Digital services for devotees also planned.
As Bhongir Fort's redevelopment moves forward,officials must juggle modern upgrades with preserving its rich heritage. Minister's directives aim to ensure fort keeps historical value while becoming lively tourist draw…
