Medak fort set for Rs 10 crore facelift to boost tourism
The historic Medak fort is set for a major restoration with a Rs 10 crore project aimed at conservation and tourism development. Authorities plan visitor amenities, a ropeway proposal, and a regional tourist circuit linking key heritage and religious sites.
Medak: The historic Medak fort is all set to get a major facelift as Collector Prathima Singh assured to grant Rs 10 crore for taking up restoration and conservation works of the fort apart from providing various facilities, to attract the tourists the district.
Medak fort, located close to the district headquarters, is a historically significant hill fort originally constructed during the Kakatiya period during the 12th–13th centuries and later strengthened by the Qutb Shahi rulers. The fort is known for its strategic location, ancient gateways, cannon installations, architectural remains, and panoramic view of Medak town. It is one of the important heritage monuments reflecting the rich cultural and military history of Telangana.
Following the directions of Special Secretary A Vani Prasad, the Director of Heritage, Prof Arjun Rao and other archaeology department officials met Medak Collector Prathima Singh on Thursday. They have presented a proposal on restoration and conservation works of the fort. To make it visitor friendly, the officials will provide basic amenities such as washrooms, sitting benches, drinking water and minimum information regarding the history of the fort.
During the second phase of the works, the officials also wanted to build a rope way to Medak fort and site a museum or interpretation centre. Since the Heritage department had also decided to send a proposal to the union Tourism ministry seeking funds for the work, the officials said that they would take up both the phases of work simultaneously if they get a fund from Centre.
Collector Prathima Singh said that they wanted to develop a tourist circuit connecting Pocharam dam, Pocharam Wildlife Sanctuary, Medak Fort, Medak Cathedral Church, Jain Temple in Kulcharam and Sri Vanadurga Bhavani Temple Edupayala by providing needed amenities and arranging a transportation facility between them. Heritage Department deputy directors Dr Nagaraju, N Narasiah and others were present.
