Tirupati: A 6.1 km aerial ropeway, claimed be the world's longest, is to be constructed at the famous hill shrine of Lord Venkateswara at Tirumala, for the benefit of devotees.

The ropeway will be commissioned close to the centuries old pilgrim footpath from Alipiri point at the foot of the hills to Garudadri Nagar, the entry point atop the hills.

Two terminals, with all amenities for the benefit of pilgrims, would also be built at both places, P Siva Reddy, divisional manager of Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (APTDC) said.

Work on the project would commence in two months. An Austrian based firm would be constructing the venture for APTDC, he said.

About 140 imported cable cars, each capable of carrying nine persons, would be pressed into service. The ropeway, estimated to cost Rs 100 crore, was scheduled to be completed by the year 2004, he said.

PTI