Telangana Invites Private Players to Redevelop 11 Historic Forts Under PPP Model

HYDERABAD — The Telangana government has proposed redeveloping 11 historic forts across the state under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, inviting private players to conceptualise, develop, operate, and maintain the heritage sites.

The Tourism department has floated an Expression of Interest (EoI) seeking private sector participation for the selected forts. The selected private partners will manage end-to-end development and maintenance, focusing on adaptive reuse and heritage-compatible, experience-led tourism while ensuring local community participation.

The 11 forts identified for the initiative include Bhongir, Devarakonda, Rachakonda, Medak, Khammam, Kaulas in Jukkal mandal, Zaffargadh in Warangal, Elgandal on the Karimnagar-Sircilla corridor, Ramagiri, Utnoor in Adilabad district, and Sarvayi Papanna Fort at Khila Shapur village near Raghunathpally.

The state's development framework includes ecotourism, cultural, and hospitality components while preserving the historical and architectural integrity of the structures. The government stated that the initiative aims to generate local employment and business opportunities by integrating regional arts, crafts, and cultural traditions into visitor experiences.

Under the proposed revenue-sharing structure, a pre-defined share of the proceeds will be remitted to the state government. These funds will be reinvested into long-term conservation, restoration, and preservation of heritage assets.

Private partners will be granted rights to manage and operate the assets for a specified term, after which the facilities will be transferred back to the government. Following the evaluation of EoI submissions, shortlisted applicants will receive a Request for Proposal (RFP) detailing eligibility criteria and contractual conditions.