Hyderabad, Jan 28 (KNN)  The Department of Youth Advancement, Tourism and Culture, Government of Andhra Pradesh is planning to implement various tourism projects which include a passenger ropeway in Bhongir and Vijayawada and a multiplex here.   
 
While the passenger ropeway projects will be implemented in Bhongir in Nalgonda District, connecting the Fort to the Hillock; and in Vijayawada from Krishna River front to Bhavani Island on public private partnership mode; the Multiplex at Lower Tank Bund here will be implemented under BOT (Build Operate Transfer) basis, according to a notification.
 
Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (APTDC) is the implementing agency.
 
In this context, the state government has called for proposals to design, commission, operate and maintain the projects.

Bhongir is situated on the Hyderabad-Warangal national highway and is home to the historic Bhongir Fort built on an isolated monolithic rock by a Chalukya ruler.  At the foot of the fortified rocks 609.6 meters above the sea level stands the town of Bhongir, it has a unique egg-shaped construction with two entry points protected by huge rocks, so the fort was considered practically impregnable by invading armies. A moat encircles the fort, which also features a vast underground chamber, trap doors, an armoury, stables, ponds, wells etc.  The Bala Hisar or citadel on the top of the hill gives a bird's eye view of the neighbouring area.

The Fort is managed by the Archaeology and Museums Department of the Government of Andhra Pradesh. APTDC has already taken up improvement and beautification programme under CFA scheme as part of its tourism promotional activities.
 
To promote tourism and augment footfall at the Fort site, APTDC has proposed to build a Passenger Ropeway from the base of hillock to the Fort, thereby according a convenient passage to the tourists wishing to visit the Fort.  Besides, the ride on the Ropeway, per se, is expected to enhance tourist attraction substantially.   
 
In addition, Bhavani Island close to Vijayawada, a popular tourist destination is a large river island spread across 133 acres, and frequented by picnickers.  APTDC has developed the Island with a resort and other recreational facilities.   The terminal site for lower point is located on the river front at Bhavanipuram forming part of the Berum Park and Punnami Resorts. 

At present, boats are used to get to the island that is visited by an average of 200 each day and 500-700 during holidays.  However, according to a study, a ropeway system if operated, will be used by about 2.24 lakhs persons in the base year with an annual increase at 3 per cent, 79 PPH. 

Further, to augment footfall to the Hitech City of Hyderabad at Madhapur, the Department wants to construct a multiplex complex across two acres of land, close to Snow World and Hotel.
 
The Multiplex will feature a minimum of three screens, shopping complex/mall, restaurants, cafeteria, fast food outlets, video games, parlors, pubs, bowling alleys, health spa/centers, convention activities, other entertainment facilities, and incidental and ancillary facilities and amenities.  (KNN/ES)