Rajasthan Government Plans Ropeway to Connect Amber, Jaigarh, and Nahargarh Forts

The Rajasthan government has unveiled plans to construct a ropeway spanning 13 kilometres inside the Nahargarh Leopard Sanctuary, aiming to connect the historic Amber, Jaigarh, and Nahargarh forts to enhance tourist accessibility and experience.

Unofficial estimates place the project cost at ₹400 crore. Amber Fort, the state's most frequented tourist destination, welcomed 2 million visitors in the fiscal year 2023-24, a significant increase from around 1 million in 2021-2022, according to government reports.

Similarly, Nahargarh Fort observed 1.05 million footfalls in 2023-24 compared to 0.7 million in 2021-22, highlighting the growing popularity of these heritage sites.

Officials from the Amber Development and Management Authority (ADMA) recently visited Amber Fort to discuss the ropeway project, which seeks to streamline tourist movement across these forts.

Initially, plans aimed to link Nahargarh Fort with Jal Mahal, situated in the midst of Man Sagar Lake, but have since been revised to connect Amber and Jaigarh forts via the ropeway. The forts are situated within the Nahargarh Leopard Sanctuary, managed by the forest department, which has posed regulatory challenges for the project. However, tourism department officials remain optimistic about securing necessary approvals from the central government.

Simultaneously, the tourism department is enhancing infrastructure around Amber Fort, including the development of parking facilities and upgrades to the light and sound show. Plans are underway to develop tourist amenities akin to those around the Taj Mahal, with provisions for hotels and restaurants near the fort for visitor convenience, while keeping parking areas situated away from the fort premises.

The ropeway project underscores Rajasthan's commitment to promoting heritage tourism and improving visitor experiences, reinforcing the state's position as a premier destination for cultural exploration and historical significance.

BS