Karnataka govt set to ban private vehicles in Bengaluru's Nandi Hills

The Karnataka government has decided to prohibit private vehicles from entering Nandi Hills, a popular weekend destination located 60 km from Bengaluru, known for its heavy traffic congestion.

Such a plan is already in place at Karnataka’s Himavad Gopalaswamy Betta, a popular tourist destination neat Gundlupet.

The government now plans to introduce electric buses to facilitate tourists. The move to ferry passengers in electric buses will help decongest the route and make the trip safer for them. The popular destination often witnesses heavy traffic, particularly during weekends and holidays.

The tourism department has taken this initiative to transform Nandi Hills into a one-day tourism destination within the next 6 to 8 months. The move is also aimed at curtail vehicular traffic in the area, creating a safe and pleasant environment for travellers to appreciate the scenic beauty of the location. For tourists who like adventure, there will also be an option to access Nandi Hills via a cable car.

Preliminary estimates suggest that the cost of a cable car ride may range from Rs 250-300 per person. Additional Chief Secretary Kapil Mohan said, “We are developing Nandi Hills as a tourism destination for Bengalureans, along with the 9th-century Bhoga Nandishwara temple, featuring night lighting and a sound-and-light show. The development approach is ecologically sensitive, with a focus on heritage, archaeology, and adventure tourism.”

In view of the fact that it is considered an accident-prone area, the police have already imposed restrictions on motorcycles and four-wheelers from undertaking the final two-km journey to the hill during New Year and other major holidays. Moving a step further, the government now plans to prohibit private vehicles from accessing Nandi Hills and provide a fleet of small electric buses for transportation from the foothills to the summit.