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
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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Once these studies are complete and project tenders are finalized, construction is expected to commence, with officials targeting a completion window of two years.
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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
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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.
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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.
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Officials expect a significant increase in footfall at both heritage sites after the launch, strengthening Hyderabad’s position as a major heritage tourism hub.
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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 HyderabadStories for updates on project milestones, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and stories from the new lifeline weaving through the city’s celebrated heritage district!
