VMRDA to Reissue Kailasagiri Ropeway Tenders

The Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region Development Authority (VMRDA) is planning to revamp the Kailasagiri Ropeway, with tenders to be reissued after a limited response to the earlier bid.

The existing ropeway near Appughar, inaugurated on May 5, 2004, spans 375 meters and was built for Rs 3 crore to offer visitors panoramic views of the city. It was originally handed over on a 20-year BOT basis.

Following the completion of this period, VMRDA invited tenders to dismantle the old ropeway and construct a new one. The proposed project included a ropeway from Tenneti Park to the Telugu Museum, covering 1.5 km, along with a loose gravity ride to bring visitors down the hill. The project was planned under a PPP model at an estimated cost of Rs 60 crore.

However, officials received only a single tender, raising concerns about the high costs and limited revenue potential. Some stakeholders suggested extending the deadline.

Pranav Gopal, VMRDA Chairman, said, “The plan initially included a ropeway and a gravity ride, but opinions suggested the ride might not be profitable. We now intend to construct only the ropeway up to the Telugu Museum. The high cost continues to discourage interest. Our engineering team has been asked to reduce costs and resubmit the request for proposals.”