Hyderabad is set to introduce its first ropeway service, creating an efficient and scenic link between the historic Golconda Fort and the Qutub Shahi Tombs.
Connecting Iconic Heritage Sites
This exciting new development will feature a two-kilometer-long ropeway, specifically designed to ferry visitors between two of Hyderabad’s most significant historical landmarks. It promises to transform the way tourists experience these popular sites.
A single trip on the ropeway is expected to cost between INR 100 and INR 200, making it an accessible option for the thousands of daily visitors. Currently, both monuments together attract 5,000 to 8,000 people on weekdays, with weekend numbers often exceeding 10,000.
A Smoother, Faster Journey
One of the primary benefits of the ropeway is the significant reduction in travel time. What currently takes 15 to 20 minutes by road during peak hours will be cut down to a swift 5 to 10 minutes by air.
The system will include two dedicated terminals: one conveniently located near the Golconda Fort entrance and the other within the Qutub Shahi Tombs complex, ensuring seamless access for all.
Inspired by Success, Built for Hyderabad
Officials from the Hyderabad Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority (HUMTA) are overseeing this ambitious project. They revealed that the ropeway will be modeled after successful aerial transport systems seen in popular tourist destinations like Shimla, Dharamshala, and Manali.
These modern cable cars are designed to comfortably accommodate six passengers at a time. They will offer breathtaking panoramic views of the historic structures and the surrounding landscape, providing a unique perspective for visitors.
Addressing Urban Challenges
“We came up with this solution after facing challenges with road expansion due to constricted street layouts,” explained B Jeevan Babu, Managing Director of HUMTA. The ropeway offers a smart alternative to traditional road-based transport.
This innovative project is expected to ease vehicular traffic and alleviate persistent parking issues in the area. Ultimately, it aims to contribute to the better preservation of these invaluable heritage sites by reducing ground-level congestion.
Next Steps and Future Vision
HUMTA has already initiated the tender process to select an agency. This agency will be responsible for drafting a detailed project report, conducting a thorough feasibility study, and chalking out the complete budget for this bi-directional ropeway.
The project is set to be developed under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, ensuring collaborative funding and execution. While it’s proposed to initially operate with two cable cars, the number may increase based on tourist demand and commercial viability.
Hyderabad’s ropeway is part of a broader push for aerial transport in Telangana. The Centre previously announced plans for a similar ropeway tourism initiative at Bhuvanagiri Fort in 2024, backed by a budget of over INR 50 crore under the Swadesh Darshan 2.0 programme.
- Hyderabad’s first ropeway will connect Golconda Fort and Qutub Shahi Tombs.
- The 2km route will cut travel time from 15-20 minutes to 5-10 minutes.
- It aims to reduce traffic and parking issues, benefiting heritage preservation.
- The project is inspired by successful systems in Himachal Pradesh and follows a PPP model.
This groundbreaking infrastructure promises to enhance the tourist experience and accessibility to Hyderabad’s rich historical treasures.
