The Rajasthan government plans to connect Amber, Jaigarh and Nahargarh forts, spread over 13 kilometers within a leopard reserve, with a ropeway to speed up the movement of tourists.
Unofficial sources estimate the cost of the project at Rs 400 crore.
Amber Fort is the most visited tourist spot in the state and will attract 2 million tourists in 2023-24, compared to around 1 million in 2021-22, according to the state government.
Nahargarh Fort, meanwhile, saw 1.05 million visitors in 2023-2024, compared to 0.7 million in 2021-2022.
Recently, officials from the Amber Development and Management Authority (ADMA) visited Amber and discussed the ropeway project.
According to the tourism department, the earlier plan was to connect Nahargarh Fort and Jal Mahal – a palace located in the middle of Man Sagar Lake – but it has been revised to connect Amber and Jaigarh forts with a ropeway.
The three forts are located in the Nahargarh Leopard Sanctuary managed by the forest department, where rules and regulations would have created a hurdle in the ropeway project. However, tourism department officials are optimistic about getting permission for the ropeway from the Centre.
The tourism department is developing parking lots near Amber Fort and modernizing the light and sound show.
As per the plan, development of tourism facilities around the Amber Fort would be adopted on the lines of the Taj Mahal.
Emphasis will also be given on operating hotels and restaurants for the convenience of tourists near the fort. However, parking will be developed outside the fort.
First print: June 14, 2024 | 12:44 pm IST