The Karnataka government, with RITES as the feasibility consultant, has advanced plans to develop a ₹40-crore (US$4.1 million) cable car project at Gokak Falls in Belagavi district, Karnataka, under a public-private partnership model. 

The proposal has now been submitted to the Karnataka government for final approval, following clearance from the state Finance Department. Actual construction is expected to begin only after the remaining government approvals are obtained. RITES (Rail India Technical and Economic Services) was engaged to undertake a comprehensive feasibility study. The study assessed the terrain around Gokak Falls, the viability of the proposed cable-car alignment, passenger-safety requirements, environmental implications and other technical parameters. 

The Karnataka government has directed officials to complete the remaining statutory approvals, particularly clearances from the forest and environment departments, before tenders are invited. The project was initially proposed to the Union government in 2024, but after limited response from the Centre, Karnataka decided to pursue the project independently through a public-private partnership (PPP) model. The main objective is to improve the visitor experience at Gokak Falls by providing tourists with a safe aerial view of the waterfall. Gokak Falls is about 52 metres high and is a major tourist attraction in the region. The proposed cable car is also intended to strengthen tourism infrastructure, generate employment for local youth and potentially improve access to nearby religious attractions. 

The project is particularly relevant because the historic British-era suspension bridge at Gokak Falls remains closed to tourists due to safety concerns. The cable car could therefore provide an alternative means of experiencing the waterfall while adding a new tourism attraction to the site. State authorities have fast-tracked the approval process, with construction expected to start once the outstanding formalities are completed.