The recently shared update by the Maharashtra State Tourism Department mentioned that the government has decided to construct a funicular railway or ropeway at Karla-based Shri Ekvira Devi Temple and Pune-based Rajgad fort.
To strengthen the process, officials from the State Tourism Department, Indian Port Rail and Ropeway Corporation Limited (IPRCL) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Friday, June 12, 2021. Registrations for the projects will be facilitated under the agri-tourism policy by the Maharashtra Co-operative Development Corporation. Moreover, the project is expected to be developed on the Build Operate Transfer model.
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Sharing more details about the same, the Director of Directorate of Tourism, Dr Dhananjay Sawalkar, told the Indian Express, “Being a popular pilgrimage spot and having nearby tourist attractions like Karla caves, Ekvira Devi temple witnesses seven to eight lakh tourists annually. Similarly, Rajgad fort has historical significance and is a popular trekking destination. With the ropeways, the religious spots will be easily accessible for tourists and will result in promoting tourism.”
Director of IPRCL, Anil Kumar Gupta, further added the proposed ropeway project is expected to be both cost-effective and eco-friendly as it requires limited land.
Both the projects are expected to boost the tourism in the state.
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