To address the increasing traffic congestion at Nandi Hills, Minister for Energy and Tourism K.J. George said the government is preparing a comprehensive mobility plan. 
\| Photo Credit: File Photo

The Government of Karnataka has decided to upgrade Mayura Hotels and other hospitality properties under the Department of Tourism by leveraging the expertise and best practices of the private hospitality sector, as part of its vision to elevate Karnataka’s tourism infrastructure to global standards, said Minister for Energy and Tourism K.J. George.

He was speaking after inaugurating the newly constructed Mayura Sunrise Restaurant at Nandi Hills in Chikkaballapur district, developed by the Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC).

Expert committee to be constituted

The Minister said that while the KSTDC and Jungle Lodges \& Resorts own properties at some of Karnataka’s most scenic and sought-after tourist destinations, many of these assets have yet to realise their full potential. By adopting professional hospitality management, modern amenities, and global service standards, these properties would be transformed to deliver a superior visitor experience. He cited the department’s collaboration with the Taj Group at Chikkamagaluru as an example.

“Premium hospitality should not remain the privilege of luxury travellers alone. Quality accommodation, food, and services must also be accessible to middle-class families at affordable prices. Our vision is to make tourism more inclusive, people-centric, and accessible to everyone,” the Minister said.

The government would constitute an Expert Advisory Committee comprising leading hoteliers, hospitality professionals, and tourism experts to recommend measures to upgrade Mayura Hotels and other tourism department properties.

Based on the committee’s recommendations, the design, guest rooms, food and beverage services, operations, customer experience, and overall management standards of Mayura Hotels would be upgraded in a phased manner. The properties would continue to remain government-owned, while benefiting from the expertise and best practices of the private hospitality industry, he clarified.

Permanent solution to Nandi Hills traffc congestion

To address the increasing traffic congestion at Nandi Hills, the Minister said the government is preparing a comprehensive mobility plan. During weekends and holidays, private vehicle access to the hilltop would be regulated, with a well-planned parking facility to be developed at the foothills.

Visitors would then be transported to the summit through designated transport services. He added that the long-awaited Nandi Hills Ropeway Project would be expedited to provide a permanent solution to the area’s traffic congestion.

V. Ram Prasath Manohar, Secretary, Department of Tourism, said that the process of obtaining the required forest clearances for the ropeway has been expedited and a dedicated coordination mechanism has been established in New Delhi to facilitate approvals.

“We are confident of securing the necessary clearances shortly and moving the project into the implementation phase,” he said.

Published - July 22, 2026 08:08 pm IST