Minister George directs officials to fast-track 13 ropeway projects across Karnataka

Bengaluru, Jul 13 (PTI) Karnataka Minister for Tourism K J George on Monday directed officials to expedite the implementation of the 13 ropeway projects proposed across the state. He emphasised the need to fast-track statutory approvals and ensure their timely execution. The minister chaired a high-level review meeting to assess the progress of all proposed ropeway projects across Karnataka. Expressing concern that several ropeway projects have remained at the planning stage for years, George instructed officials to obtain all mandatory approvals from the forest department, environment department and other statutory agencies before floating tenders, so that implementation is not delayed after the projects are awarded. "The feasibility studies for all 13 ropeway projects have been entrusted to Rail India Technical and Economic Service. Of these, feasibility reports for eight projects have already been completed, while officials have been directed to expedite the studies for the remaining locations," he was quoted as saying by his office in a statement. The minister reviewed the Mullayanagiri Ropeway Project, where the feasibility study has been delayed due to pending permissions. He directed officials to secure the required clearances immediately and instructed RITES to submit the feasibility report within one month. Preliminary feasibility studies have already been completed for the ropeway projects at Gokak Falls (Belagavi), Mylara Lingeshwara Temple (Yadgir), Anjanadri Hill (Koppal) and Devaragudda Malatesha Temple (Haveri). The Gokak Ropeway Project has secured approval from the finance department, and the minister directed officials to place the proposal before the next meeting of the state cabinet for approval. The ropeway projects are proposed to be implemented under the Public-Private Partnership model. Stressing the importance of timely implementation, George instructed officials to accord top priority to obtaining statutory approvals from the forest department and other agencies. He directed the tourism commissioner to visit New Delhi and coordinate with the union ministries concerned to expedite the required clearances. "The ropeway projects are aimed at improving connectivity to Karnataka's major religious, heritage and eco-tourism destinations. While promoting environment-friendly mobility and enhancing the visitor experience, they will also generate local employment and stimulate tourism-led economic development across the state," he said. George further said ropeway projects were much more than tourism infrastructure. "They represent a sustainable and eco-friendly mode of connectivity that will improve access to remote destinations, create new opportunities for local economies, generate employment and attract greater tourism investment." "There should be no delay in implementation due to procedural approvals, and all departments must work in close coordination to ensure these projects are executed on priority," he added. According to officials, the proposed ropeway projects in Karnataka include Madhugiri Fort (Tumakuru), Mallalli Falls (Kodagu), Anjanadri Hill (Koppal), Ballari Fort (Ballari), Nrupatunga Hill (Dharwad), and Yadgir Fort (Yadgir). The list also includes Mylara Lingeshwara Temple (Yadgir), Holalamma Temple (Gadag), Kalakaleshwara Temple (Gadag), Savadatti Yellamma Temple (Belagavi), Devaragudda Malatesha Temple (Haveri), Gokak Falls (Belagavi), and Mullayanagiri Peak (Chikkamagaluru). PTI KSU SSK