India: Jal Mahal ropeway project by 2004

The ropeway from Jal Mahal to Jaigarh and Nahargarh forts would finally see the light of the day December 2004. This was stated by Jaipur Development Authority (JDA) Commissioner Mr.Dinesh Goyal. The JDA has already invited tenders for the ropeway and the work on the project would start soon after the bids are finalised.

The state's first state of the art ropeway would be 1500 m long and 200 m in height. It would take 10 minutes for a cab in car to reach the top of ropeway. From there, a regular bus service will ferry passengers to Nahargarh and Jaigarh forts.

Being the first ropeway in Rajasthan, it is likely to run into a money spinner for the state's sagging economy. The proposed ropeway will function on a built, Operate and transfer (BOT) basis.

The lease period for the project is 30 years. JDA would follow international standards for constructing the ropeway. The ropeway Act will ensure the smooth functioning of the project. The approach road to Jal Mahal from Jaipur would be broadened to facilitate a smooth flow of traffic. For this, the road from Zorawar Singh gate to Amer would be made 160 feet wide. At present, the width of this road varies from 90 to 120 feet. The JDA also plans to have an art gallery and a museum inside the Jal Mahal.

The civic body has envisaged a Rs.30 crore project to develop an entertainment centre besides promoting leisure activities in peripheries of the Jal Mahal, to attract tourists.