The Mysuru Municipal Corporation (MCC) has stopped the construction of a controversial toll booth for the proposed Heritage Tonga stall on the footpath near the Mysuru Town Hall following strong public opposition.
Part of the Union government’s Swadesh Darshan 2.0 initiative, the ticket counter has been built adjacent to the City Hall, near the iconic Mysuru Palace and Chamaraja Circle – all in the city’s prime heritage zone. The move drew criticism from conservationists and residents who argued that such construction would undermine the heritage value and historical character of Mysuru.
The proposed box office, estimated to cost ₹1.8 million, was part of the larger ₹18 million Tonga Experience Centers project.
Sources in the MCC said the work started by the tourism department was stopped as formal permissions were not obtained. Civic officials noted that an alternative suitable site could be found if proper consultations were held.
Historian NS Rangaraju, a former member of the district heritage sub-committee, recalled that a team of tourism department officials from Bengaluru had visited Mysuru about two years ago to identify sites for four such counters.
They proposed construction of two such counters at Chamaraja Circle and one each near Gun House Circle and Mysuru Zoo.
However, the committee – comprising Mr Rangaraju and former SJCE director Shakeeb Ur Rahman – strongly opposed these selections, warning that they would “spoil Mysuru’s heritage”. Mr. Rangaraju claimed that the construction started at one of the earlier rejected sites after the committee’s tenure ended.
Tongas, the pride of Mysuru
Emphasizing the cultural value of traditional horse-drawn carriages, Mr. Rangaraju said that tonga rides should indeed be encouraged but without jeopardizing the conservation zones.
He suggested alternative locations earlier recommended by the committee, including the Kantimallanna bus stand at Agrahara Circle and a location near the ‘Pay and Use’ facility at Gandhi Square, managed by the Namma Mysuru Foundation.
Instead of placing structures in sensitive areas, he suggested that the authorities should consider online ticketing or run shuttle carts to counters located at convenient locations.
The Mysuru Municipal Corporation (MCC) has stopped the construction of a controversial toll booth for the proposed Heritage Tonga stall on the footpath near the Mysuru Town Hall following strong public opposition.
Part of the Union government’s Swadesh Darshan 2.0 initiative, the ticket counter has been built near the City Hall, near the iconic Mysuru Palace and Chamaraja Circle – all in the city’s prime heritage zone. The move drew criticism from conservationists and residents who argued that such construction would undermine the heritage value and historical character of Mysuru.
The proposed box office, estimated to cost ₹1.8 million, was part of the larger ₹18 million Tonga Experience Centers project.
Sources in the MCC said the work started by the tourism department was stopped as formal permissions were not obtained. Civic officials noted that an alternative suitable site could be found if proper consultations were held.
Historian NS Rangaraju, a former member of the district heritage sub-committee, recalled that a team of tourism department officials from Bengaluru had visited Mysuru about two years ago to identify sites for four such counters.
They proposed construction of two such counters at Chamaraja Circle and one each near Gun House Circle and Mysuru Zoo.
However, the committee – comprising Mr Rangaraju and former SJCE director Shakeeb Ur Rahman – strongly opposed these selections, warning that they would “spoil Mysuru’s heritage”. Mr. Rangaraju claimed that the construction started at one of the earlier rejected sites after the committee’s tenure ended.
Tongas, the pride of Mysuru
Emphasizing the cultural value of traditional horse-drawn carriages, Mr. Rangaraju said that tonga rides should indeed be encouraged but without jeopardizing the conservation zones.
He suggested alternative locations earlier recommended by the committee, including the Kantimallanna bus stand at Agrahara Circle and a location near the ‘Pay and Use’ facility at Gandhi Square, managed by the Namma Mysuru Foundation.
Instead of placing structures in sensitive areas, he suggested that the authorities should consider online ticketing or run shuttle carts to counters located at convenient locations.
The construction of a toll booth on the footpath adjacent to City Hall is the second time in recent months that the public has opposed construction near the Mysuru Palace. An information kiosk set up by the city police near the Balarama Gate of Mysuru Palace was removed following a public outcry against the alleged violation of heritage norms near the Mysuru Palace.
Published – 22 March 2026 20:13 IST
