Rajgad fort, Ekvira Devi temple in Maharashtra to have ropeways

The Indian Port Rail and Ropeway Corporation Limited (IPRCL) and state tourism department signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Friday to construct a funicular railway or ropeway at Rajgad fort in Pune and a ropeway at Shri Ekvira Devi Temple at Karla near Lonavala. The registrations will be facilitated by the Maharashtra Co-operative Development Corporation Limited (MCDC) under the agri-tourism policy. The projects are going to come upon the Build Operate Transfer model. Director of Directorate of Tourism, Dr Dhananjay Sawalkar, told the media that being a popular pilgrimage spot and having nearby tourist attractions like Karla caves, Ekvira Devi temple witnesses 7 to 8 lakh tourists annually and similarly, Rajgad fort has historical significance and is a popular trekking destination. The religious spots will be easily accessible for tourists and promote tourism with the ropeways. Anil Kumar Gupta, Director of IPRCL, told the media that a ropeway project requires significantly less land acquisition and is cost-effective and eco-friendly. It will be beneficial for the tourism sector in Maharashtra. Image Source Also read: Driverless pod taxis to connect Noida to Jewar airport