The Karnataka government has directed officials to accelerate the implementation of 13 proposed ropeway projects across the state, aiming to improve connectivity to major tourist destinations and strengthen tourism infrastructure.
State Energy and Tourism Minister K.J. George instructed the tourism department to expedite approvals from various government agencies, with particular emphasis on securing pending forest and environmental clearances. Many of the projects, planned under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, have remained delayed due to lengthy regulatory procedures.
Among the key projects is the proposed Nandi Hills ropeway, one of Karnataka’s most anticipated tourism infrastructure initiatives. While the Karnataka Forest Department has granted its approval, the project is awaiting final clearance from the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. The proposal requires approximately 0.86 hectares of forest land, and the Centre has sought additional wildlife mitigation measures before granting permission.
The list of proposed ropeway projects also includes Gokak and several other prominent tourist destinations across the state. The tourism department has been asked to obtain the necessary legal and statutory approvals to enable construction activities to commence at the earliest.
The ropeway projects are aligned with the Central Government’s Parvatmala Pariyojana, an initiative that aims to develop around 200 ropeway projects across India through the PPP model by 2030. The programme is intended to improve last-mile connectivity, promote tourism, and support economic development in hilly and difficult-to-access regions.
According to officials, progress has already been made on land acquisition and power infrastructure approvals at several project locations. However, environmental regulations and forest clearances continue to be the primary hurdles delaying implementation.
The state government has stated that the projects will be developed with measures to minimise environmental impact and protect surrounding ecosystems while enhancing accessibility for visitors.
Once completed, the ropeway network is expected to improve tourist mobility, reduce travel time to popular destinations, and support local economic activity through increased visitor footfall, while contributing to Karnataka’s broader tourism development strategy.
