1-km ropeway to anchor ₹56.81-crore Bhongir Fort makeover; Jupally displeased over delays in makeover

Published 22 June 2026 · india

A 1,020-metre ropeway capable of carrying up to 300 visitors an hour is set to become the centrepiece of the ₹56.81-crore makeover of Bhongir Fort

A 1,020-metre ropeway capable of carrying up to 300 visitors an hour is set to become the centrepiece of the ₹56.81-crore makeover of Bhongir Fort, with Telangana Tourism and Culture Minister Jupally Krishna Rao directing officials to complete the project by October 2 and ordering round-the-clock execution of works. Rao, who inspected the ongoing development works at the fort on Monday (June 22, 2026), expressed dissatisfaction over delays in execution and instructed officials to continuously monitor the progress to ensure timely completion. Proposed facilities and restoration plans discussed Detailed discussions were held on facilities proposed at the lower station, including the ropeway, hotel, parking area, restrooms, children’s play zone and decorative lighting for the rock garden.

At the upper station, the Minister reviewed plans relating to restoration of the fort, beautification of water bodies, a cafeteria, an interpretation centre showcasing the history of the fort, restoration of steps, an entrance plaza, ticket counter, waiting lounge, restaurant and other tourist amenities. Stating that the government was undertaking extensive modernisation works to restore the grandeur of the historic fort, the minister said Bhongir Fort will be developed into a world-class tourist destination under the Centre’s Swadesh Darshan Scheme 2.0 at an estimated cost of ₹56.81 crore. The project, titled ‘Bhongir Fort Experiential Zone’, aims to preserve the heritage character of the fort while creating modern infrastructure and improving accessibility and visitor experience.

The ropeway, estimated to cost ₹17.91 crore, will be developed using monocable jig-back technology. Stretching approximately 1,020 metres with a vertical rise of about 180 metres, the system will comprise six cabins and one reserve cabin, each with a capacity of six passengers. It has been designed to transport between 250 and 300 passengers every hour and will operate at speeds ranging from zero to six metres per second. The remaining ₹38.90 crore has been earmarked for restoration of heritage structures and infrastructure development. The project also envisages construction of an administrative block, entrance gate and compound wall and modernisation of the existing toilet block.

A sculpture area, pergolas, food kiosks, seating areas and stone-clad walls are being created. Additional facilities include a viewing gallery, cafeteria, water bodies, pathway paving, stone masonry works, restoration of steps and sanitary infrastructure. Heritage structures atop the hill are also being restored, while an interpretation centre with a tensile roof structure is being developed. “The heritage conservations, modern amenities, improved tourism experiences and the ropeway would help increase tourist footfall,” the minister said.