Hyderabad: Tourism Minister Jupally Krishna Rao reviewed the progress of Bhongir Fort development works during a field inspection and directed officials to complete all pending projects by October 2.
The minister inspected ongoing works, including the ropeway, hotel, parking facilities, restrooms, children’s play area, cafeteria, interpretation centre and fort restoration projects.
He instructed officials to closely monitor the works and continue construction round the clock if required.
Jupally Krishna Rao said the state government is giving special priority to tourism development under the leadership of Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy.
He said authorities are modernising Bhongir Fort while preserving its historic grandeur.
The minister also said the government is developing an integrated spiritual and heritage tourism circuit linking Yadadri, Bhongir Fort and Kolanupaka.
Bhongir MLA Kumbham Anil Kumar Reddy, MP Chamala Kiran Kumar Reddy, District Collector Anurag Jayanti and other officials attended the programme.
The Centre sanctioned the “Development of Bhongir Fort Experiential Zone” project under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme 2.0.
The project carries an approved cost of Rs 56.81 crore.
Bhongir Fort development includes ropeway and tourism facilities
Officials said the project aims to transform the historic fort into a major tourism destination through heritage conservation, modern infrastructure and improved visitor amenities.
The project includes a passenger ropeway system costing Rs 17.91 crore.
The ropeway will operate on a Monocable Jig Back System.
It will stretch about 1,020 metres and cover an elevation difference of nearly 180 metres.
Authorities have planned six passenger cabins and one standby cabin.
The system will carry around 250 to 300 passengers per hour.
Additionally, officials will undertake civil infrastructure and heritage restoration works at a cost of Rs 38.90 crore.
The project includes access roads, parking facilities, storm-water drains and retaining walls.
Authorities will also provide 20 six-seater electric vehicles and two charging stations for visitors.
Further, officials will develop an entrance plaza, sculpture area, pergolas, food kiosks, seating areas, a viewing gallery and water bodies.
The plan also includes a cafeteria, new toilet blocks and an interpretation centre with a tensile-roof structure.
Officials will restore heritage structures on the hillock as part of the project.
The development package also covers electrification, outdoor lighting, water supply networks and waste-management systems.
In addition, authorities will install CCTV cameras, public announcement systems and emergency call boxes.
The project will also feature X-ray baggage scanners, door-frame metal detectors and crowd-management systems.
Officials said the works will significantly improve accessibility, visitor safety and the overall tourism experience at Bhongir Fort.
The project also includes a three-year comprehensive maintenance contract to ensure smooth operations after completion.