Telangana Seeks Partners to Conserve, Develop 11 Forts Under PPP Model
HYDERABAD: Telangana has opened a new chapter in its heritage-tourism strategy by seeking private partners to help conserve, develop and operate tourism facilities at 11 historic forts, while proposing safeguards intended to retain their architectural character and public heritage role.
The state Directorate of Tourism issued an Expression of Interest on August 17, 2026, inviting experienced private investors and tourism companies to submit concepts for the sites under a public-private partnership model.
The 11 forts identified are Bhongir, Devarakonda, Rachakonda, Medak, Khammam, Kaulas, Zaffargadh, Elgandal, Ramagiri, Utnoor and Sarvayi Papanna Fort at Khila Shapur.
The proposal is broader than conventional monument restoration. Telangana wants prospective partners to develop heritage-compatible visitor experiences combining conservation with tourism infrastructure, hospitality, ecotourism and cultural activities.
Under the proposed arrangement, selected private partners would conceptualise, develop, operate and maintain tourism facilities for a defined period rather than acquire permanent ownership of the heritage assets.
The Telangana Heritage Department is expected to provide conservation approvals and technical guidance, while the Directorate of Tourism will facilitate tourism development and implementation of the PPP projects.
The proposed financial structure also links tourism revenue with conservation. A predetermined share of revenue generated under the projects would be paid to the state and reinvested in conservation, restoration and long-term preservation of the heritage assets.
For Telugu people living in the United States, the initiative could eventually broaden heritage itineraries beyond familiar destinations such as Hyderabad, Warangal and major temple towns. Several of the selected forts represent regional histories that remain comparatively little known outside Telangana.
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