The Karnataka government is set to introduce a cutting-edge Suspended String Rail Transport System at the picturesque Gokak Falls, aiming to boost accessibility while preserving the region’s ecological and cultural integrity. Karnataka Tourism Infrastructure Limited (KTIL) has invited tenders to appoint a consultant to prepare a Detailed Project Report (DPR) to initiate the project.
This advanced elevated rail system will feature lightweight, high-strength string rails to support passenger and cargo transit. The consultant will focus on smart mobility solutions, ensuring a sustainable, safe, and eco-friendly transportation network seamlessly integrating with scenic surroundings.
In addition to transport, the project will incorporate key infrastructure, including ticketing counters, retail spaces, and food outlets to enhance the visitor experience and generate revenue. To ensure feasibility, the DPR will assess ridership demand, explore alternative alignments, and conduct topographic, geotechnical, and environmental studies.
A detailed traffic analysis will project ridership trends up to 2060, factoring in land use patterns, development plans, and commuter behavior. The report will also define station design, intermodal connectivity, signaling, power supply, and maintenance needs, along with an optimal fare structure and a financial feasibility study.
Famed for its 52-meter plunge over a 177-meter-wide cliff, Gokak Falls is among Karnataka’s top tourist destinations. The project aims to enhance visitor access while safeguarding its rich cultural heritage, including Chalukyan-era landmarks like the Durga, Shanmukha, and Mahalingeshwara temples.
