Hyderabad News: HMDA approved the 1.5 km ropeway project to connect Golconda Fort and Qutub Shahi Tomb, which will make Hyderabad’s tourism and heritage experience more attractive.

Hyderabad. Two prestigious historical heritage of Hyderabad, Golconda Fort and Qutub Shahi Tomb Seven Tom will now be linked to a cable car i.e. ropeway project. Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority i.e. HMDA has given formal approval to this long -pending ropeway project, which will make the experience of these sites for tourists become even more easy and exciting.

The project has received official green signal from HMDA. Earlier, the tourism department gave theoretical approval in 2021 itself. The proposed ropeway will be about 1.5 km long. It will be developed under a public-private partnership (PPP). About 100 crore rupees are estimated on the project. Next stage HMDA has given its contract to Real Estate Consultancy Firm Knight Frank. The firm will submit its detailed report in the next 3-4 months. Based on this report, a detailed project report i.e. DPR will be prepared.

Sky Cable Car to Connect Golconda Fort and Qutb Shahi Tombs: Hyderabad’s Heritage Gets a New Lifeline

proval and will be developed under a public-private partnership model. The 1.5 km ropeway aims to boost tourism, improve visitor mobility by reducing travel time from 15-20 minutes to 5-10 minutes, and enhance the area’s heritage appeal. A feasibility study is underway, with a detailed project report to follow, and the project is expected to become a major attraction for tourists.  

A Rs 100 Crore Ropeway Project Promises Breathtaking Views, Seamless Transit, and a Boost for Tourism in Hyderabad’s Historic Heart

Sky Cable Car to Connect Golconda Fort and Qutb Shahi Tombs: Hyderabad’s Heritage Gets a New Lifeline

The much-awaited cable car project connecting Golconda Fort and the Qutb Shahi Tombs (also known as Seven Tombs) has finally received the green light from the government, marking a milestone for Hyderabad’s heritage tourism. The Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) will execute this iconic 1.5-kilometer ropeway under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model to boost tourism and modernize visitor mobility in the city’s heritage precinct.

Project Highlights

• The cable car project will directly link Golconda Fort and the Qutb Shahi Tombs—two of Hyderabad’s most significant historical landmarks, drawing thousands of tourists every week.
• Estimated at a cost of around Rs. 100 crore, the ropeway aims to reduce travel time between the sites from 15–20 minutes by road to just 5–10 minutes by air, providing not just convenience but also an entirely new vantage point for travelers.
• The system will have two main terminals—one near the main entrance of Golconda Fort and the other at the tombs complex. Each modern cabin is expected to hold six passengers and offer panoramic views of the historic area’s unique landscape.

Development Timeline and Execution

• Originally cleared in principle by the Tourism Department in 2021, the project’s technical and operational feasibility will be assessed by real estate consultants Knight Frank, who have been tasked with preparing a detailed study and project report within the next three to four months.
• Once these studies are complete and project tenders are finalized, construction is expected to commence, with officials targeting a completion window of two years.
• The PPP approach ensures minimal financial burden on HMDA, with private expertise and investment playing a major role in planning, execution, and operations.

Key Benefits and Impact

• The cable car is set to transform access between Golconda Fort and the Tombs, especially during peak tourist seasons and city festivals, reducing congestion on narrow roads and easing parking and traffic issues in the area.
• By offering an environmentally friendly mode of transport that minimizes ground disturbance, the project seeks to preserve the heritage precinct’s integrity while improving the overall tourist experience.
• Officials expect a significant increase in footfall at both heritage sites after the launch, strengthening Hyderabad’s position as a major heritage tourism hub.
• The aesthetically designed cabins and infrastructure aim to complement the historical environment—unlike ropeways in hill destinations, this system will operate at a lower height but still provide spectacular aerial views.

Looking Ahead

The approval of the Golconda–Qutb Shahi Tombs cable car exemplifies Hyderabad’s forward-looking approach to blending innovation and historical conservation. With work set to begin soon, both locals and visitors can look forward to a unique ride connecting the legacies of Hyderabad’s royal past with its vibrant present.

Stay tuned to Hyderabad stories for updates on project milestones, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and stories from the new lifeline weaving through the city’s celebrated heritage district!

Project Details 

The Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) has received state government approval to construct an overhead sky cable car connecting the historic Golconda Fort and Qutb Shahi Tombs.

The long-pending tourism infrastructure project, initially cleared in 2021, aims to boost tourist footfall in the heritage precinct. The 1.5 km ropeway will be developed under a public-private partnership (PPP) model to minimise HMDA’s financial burden. Knight Frank, a real estate consultancy, has been assigned to conduct a feasibility study and submit a detailed project report (DPR) within three to four months.

The cable car is estimated to cost around Rs 100 crore and will feature two terminals — one near the entrance of Golconda Fort and the other at the Qutb Shahi Tombs. Travel time between the two sites will be reduced from 15–20 minutes by road to just five to 10 minutes. The project is expected to be completed within two years.

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• Cost: Approximately ₹100 crore.
• Length: 1.5 kilometers.
• Partnership: Will be developed under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.
• Terminals: Two terminals will be constructed, one near Golconda Fort and another at the Qutb Shahi Tombs.

Purpose and Impact

• Tourism Boost: Aims to enhance tourism and visitor experience in Hyderabad’s heritage zone. 

Hyderabad to Get ₹100 Crore Sky Cable Car Linking Qutb Shahi Tombs and Golconda Fort In a major boost to Hyderabad’s tourism and connectivity, the Telangana government has approved a ₹100 crore Sky Cable Car project that will link two of the city’s most iconic heritage sites — the Qutb Shahi Tombs and Golconda Fort. The project aims to enhance visitor experience while reducing road congestion between the two historic landmarks, located just 1.5 km apart. The cable car system will offer panoramic views of the Deccan landscape and the city’s royal past.

Officials said the eco-friendly project will be developed through a public-private partnership model, ensuring minimal environmental impact and world-class safety standards. Once completed, the attraction is expected to become a major draw for both domestic and international tourists.

Improved Connectivity: 
Provides a direct and convenient link between the two iconic heritage sites. 

Reduced Travel Time: 
Significantly cuts down the road travel time between the sites from 15-20 minutes to 5-10 minutes. Gandhi Hill in Vijayawada, home to India’s first hilltop memorial dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi, is undergoing a major transformation into a premier cultural and tourist destination.

Following a Rs 1.20 crore facelift in the first phase, a Rs 90-crore Master Plan aims to develop the site into the ‘Gandhi India International Centre’. New attractions include a 43-mtrs. high lift, modernised play areas, floral landscaping, improved sanitation facilities, and a scenic viewpoint. The iconic toy train is being revived, while replicas of Sabarmati Ashram, Sevagram, and Porbandar Gandhi House have been renovated. A planetarium, fine arts academy, library, convention hall, and guest accommodations are planned. 

Currently attracting around 5,000 visitors daily, the site is expected to draw nearly 10,000 once fully developed. The Gandhi Hill Foundation, led by Dr Gandhi PC Kaza, envisions the space as a vibrant hub for peace, culture, and education. District authorities have pledged full support to transform the hill into a beacon of Gandhian values and international tourism.

Hyderabad’s ₹100-crore sky cable car project, connecting the Golconda Fort and Qutb Shahi Tombs, has received government approval and will be developed under a public-private partnership model. The 1.5 km ropeway aims to boost tourism, improve visitor mobility by reducing travel time from 15-20 minutes to 5-10 minutes, and enhance the area’s heritage appeal. A feasibility study is underway, with a detailed project report to follow, and the project is expected to become a major attraction for tourists.  

Project Details 

• Cost: Approximately ₹100 crore.
• Length: 1.5 kilometers.
• Partnership: Will be developed under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.
• Terminals: Two terminals will be constructed, one near Golconda Fort and another at the Qutb Shahi Tombs.

Purpose and Impact

• Tourism Boost: Aims to enhance tourism and visitor experience in Hyderabad’s heritage zone. 
• Improved Connectivity: Provides a direct and convenient link between the two iconic heritage sites. 
• Reduced Travel Time: Significantly cuts down the road travel time between the sites from 15-20 minutes to 5-10 minutes. 
• Heritage Appeal: Strengthens Hyderabad’s image as a heritage tourism hub. 

Next Steps 

• Feasibility Study: The real estate consultancy firm Knight Frank has been awarded the contract for the feasibility study.
• Detailed Project Report (DPR): A detailed report will be prepared after the feasibility study is completed.
• Project Timeline: The completed ropeway is expected to be operational within two years of the DPR, according to Projects Today.

The sky cable car project strengthens Hyderabad’s heritage image by providing a unique, scenic, and convenient way to experience the city’s iconic historical sites, Golconda Fort and the Qutb Shahi Tombs. The project’s aesthetic design and eco-friendly approach complement the heritage environment, while the reduced travel time and aerial views offer a world-class experience that blends history with modern innovation.

Enhancing Visitor Experience and Connectivity:

• Streamlined Access: The cable car directly connects Golconda Fort and the Qutb Shahi Tombs, reducing travel time from 15–20 minutes by road to just 5–10 minutes.
• Panoramic Views: The aerial journey offers spectacular, unobstructed views of the historic monuments and surrounding landscape, providing a unique perspective on Hyderabad’s royal past.
• Reduced Congestion: By offering an alternative to road travel, the cable car eases congestion within the heritage precinct, leading to a more pleasant experience for tourists.

Innovative Approach to Heritage Tourism:

• Blending Tradition and Technology: The project exemplifies Hyderabad’s forward-thinking approach by integrating modern infrastructure with the preservation of its rich historical sites.
• Aesthetically Designed Infrastructure: The cable car and its aesthetically designed cabins are intended to complement the historical environment rather than detract from it.
• Eco-Friendly Solution: As an eco-friendly transport mode, the cable car minimizes environmental impact by reducing ground-level disturbance and road traffic.

Boosting Tourism and Image:

• Attracting Tourists: The innovative cable car system is expected to become a major draw for both domestic and international tourists, increasing footfall at the heritage sites.
• Strengthening Brand Identity: The project reinforces Hyderabad’s identity as a city that cherishes its heritage while embracing innovation, positioning it as a modern heritage tourism hub.
• Showcasing Royal Legacies: By linking two of its most significant historical sites, the cable car provides a captivating way for visitors to connect with the legacies of Hyderabad’s royal past.

A multi-crore sky cable car project connecting Golconda Fort and the Qutb Shahi Tombs has received state government approval. The 1.5-kilometer ropeway will offer tourists an aerial view of the historic sites, significantly boosting heritage tourism in Hyderabad. Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) is set for a major administrative overhaul as its jurisdiction expands significantly. In line with its growth from 7,257 sqkm to 10,526 sqkm, HMDA has initiated key reforms aimed at speeding up governance and ensuring greater transparency. To make administration more accessible to citizens, HMDA will be reorganized into 16 divisions (clusters). Each cluster will be headed by a Director or Zonal Commissioner–level officer, with powers to issue approvals and clearances at the zonal level rather than centralizing them at the headquarters.

As part of this decentralization process, the government has already sanctioned two new Joint Municipal Commissioner (JMC) posts—one for areas within the Outer Ring Road (ORR) and another for the extended zones beyond the ORR. The expansion will increase HMDA’s coverage from 7 to 11 districts, 70 to 104 mandals, and 1,032 to 1,359 villages. With this, the authority aims to bring planning and permissions closer to the public, eliminating the need for routine visits to the central office.

Each division will have a dedicated staff setup including planning officers, chief engineers, and superintending engineers. HMDA has also invited proposals from consultancies to study administrative models, recommend limits for approvals, and align development strategies with the Master Plan 2050. The consultant’s report will guide the final implementation of the restructuring exercise. Officials said the reforms are modeled along the lines of municipal corporations, ensuring more efficiency in planning, approvals, and service delivery.

Key project details

• Route: The ropeway will link two of Hyderabad’s most prominent heritage sites: the main entrance of Golconda Fort and the Qutb Shahi Tombs complex.
• Cost and model: The project is estimated to cost around ₹100 crore and will be developed under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model to minimize the financial burden on the government.
• Timeline: A real estate consultancy, Knight Frank, has been commissioned to conduct a feasibility study and submit a detailed report within three to four months. The ropeway is expected to be completed within two years.
• Travel time: The cable car will cut down the travel time between the two monuments from the current 15–20 minutes by road to a quicker 5–10 minutes. 

Benefits of the ropeway

• Enhances tourism: The project aims to increase tourist footfall by providing a unique and panoramic perspective of the historic area.
• Eases traffic: By offering an alternative mode of transport, the ropeway will help reduce road traffic and parking issues in the congested heritage zone.
• Improves connectivity: The cable car will provide a convenient and direct link between the two landmarks, which despite their proximity, lack effective last-mile connectivity.
• Eco-friendly solution: The overhead cable car system is an environmentally friendly transport solution that minimizes ground-level disturbance. 

Hyd to soon get its first ropeway between Golconda Fort and Seven Tombs Hyderabad: Soon, Hyderabad will get its first ropeway service connecting two historic landmarks — the Golconda Fort to the Qutub Shahi Tombs. The two-km-long ropeway will be used to ferry visitors between the heritage sites. Proposed cost per trip: Rs 100 to Rs 200 (average).Currently, the monuments have a daily footfall of 5,000 to 8,000 with weekends drawing over 10,000 people.Sharing details about the project, officials from the Hyderabad Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority (HUMTA) said that it will be built on the lines of the existing aerial transport systems in tourists destinations like Shimla, Dharamshala, and Manali that are operated by the Ropeway & Rapid Transport System Development Corporation (RTDC).

Much like the Himachal Pradesh model, the city ropeway too will feature modern cable cars equipped to accommodate six passengers at a time, offering panoramic views of the historic structures and its surrounding landscape,” said B Jeevan Babu, managing director, of HUMTA that has already called for tenders to draft a detailed project report, conduct a feasibility study and chalk out the budget for this bu-directional ropeway.