BENGALURU: After years of delay, the tourism department is fast-tracking the implementation of 13 ropeway projects across the state by securing statutory approvals.The projects are proposed to be implemented under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.During a high-level review meeting with secretary, department of tourism, KV Trilok Chandra, and other officials, on Monday, tourism minister KJ George is said to have directed officials to accord top priority to obtaining 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.Tourism commissioner V Ram Prasath Manohar is expected to visit New Delhi to coordinate with the concerned Union ministries to expedite the required clearances.Projects have witnessed years of delays, with several remaining in the planning stage.Among the five projects whose feasibility studies have been delayed is the Mullayanagiri Ropeway Project, announced in the 2026-27 budget, due to pending permissions.Its feasibility study report has been sought by Aug 13.The other four projects with pending feasibility reports are Holalamma Temple (Gadag), Kalakaleshwara Temple (Gadag), Savadatti Yellamma Temple (Belagavi) and Yadgir Fort (Yadgir).George also instructed officials that the feasibility studies for all 13 ropeway projects have been entrusted to RITES.Meanwhile, the Gokak Ropeway Project has received Finance Department approval. Officials will place the proposal before the Cabinet on July 16 for approval.Proposed Ropeway Projects in Karnataka:
- Madhugiri Fort – Tumakuru
- Mallalli Falls – Kodagu
- Anjanadri Hill – Koppal
- Ballari Fort – Ballari
- Nrupatunga Hill – Dharwad
- Yadgir Fort – Yadgir
- Mylara Lingeshwara Temple – Yadgir
- Holalamma Temple – Gadag
- Kalakaleshwara Temple – Gadag
- Savadatti Yellamma Temple – Belagavi
- Devaragudda Malatesha Temple – Haveri
- Gokak Falls – Belagavi
- Mullayanagiri Peak – Chikkamagaluru
