The Karnataka government has decided to fast-track the implementation of 13 proposed ropeway projects across the state, including the long-pending projects at Saundatti Yellamma Temple and Gokak Falls in Belagavi district.
Tourism Minister K. J. George has directed officials to complete the necessary approvals and move the projects forward at the earliest. He stressed the need to obtain clearances from forest, environment and other departments before inviting tenders.
At a high-level review meeting held in Bengaluru on Monday, the Minister noted that several ropeway projects had remained stuck at the planning stage for years and instructed officials to speed up the process.
The feasibility studies for all 13 projects have been assigned to RITES. Reports for eight projects have already been completed, while the remaining studies have been directed to be completed soon.
The Gokak Falls ropeway project has received approval from the Finance Department, and George instructed officials to place the proposal before the Cabinet for final approval in the upcoming meeting.
The projects are planned under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model and are expected to improve access to major religious, heritage and eco-tourism destinations while promoting local employment and tourism-based economic activity.
The proposed ropeway destinations include:
Madhugiri Fort (Tumakuru)
Mallalli Falls (Kodagu)
Anjanadri Hill (Koppal)
Ballari Fort
Nripatung Hill (Dharwad)
Yadgir Fort
Mailar Lingeshwar Temple (Yadgir)
Hollamma Temple and Kalkaleshwar Temple (Gadag)
Saundatti Yellamma Temple (Belagavi)
Devargudda Mallatesh Temple (Haveri)
Gokak Falls (Belagavi)
Mullayanagiri Peak (Chikkamagaluru)
The Tourism Department said the ropeways would provide eco-friendly transportation, improve tourist experience and strengthen connectivity to important destinations across Karnataka