- KR Bharat
- 2025-12-26
Ramp construction at the historic Moula Ali hilltop shrine in Malkajgiri is nearing completion, bringing much-needed relief to devotees, especially elderly visitors and women who find it difficult to climb the steep steps. Once the works are completed, devotees will be able to reach the shrine directly by vehicle, significantly improving accessibility.
The Moula Ali shrine is located at an elevation of about 614 metres above sea level. At present, devotees must climb 550 steps from the Malkajgiri main road to reach the shrine, a task that has long been considered challenging for senior citizens and women.
Following repeated complaints from pilgrims, the State government sanctioned the construction of a ramp from the main road to the hilltop shrine. The project began in 2014, with the first phase completed in 2017, covering around 230 steps. The second phase of construction started in 2021 and is currently in its final stages.
The government initially sanctioned ₹20 crore for the second phase, with additional funds released later to address construction challenges. AIMIM MLC Riyaz ul Hassan Effendi stated that nearly 80 per cent of the work has been completed, and efforts are underway to finish the remaining portion soon. He expressed hope that the project would be completed by the end of next year.
Contractors faced significant difficulties due to the rocky terrain of the hill. Since human habitation exists on one side of the site, the use of explosives was not permitted. As a result, advanced machinery had to be deployed to cut through the rocks safely.
Currently, vehicles can travel up to nearly halfway to the shrine, after which devotees must climb the remaining steps. Once the ramp is fully completed, visitors will be able to reach the hilltop shrine entirely by vehicle, eliminating the hardship faced by thousands of pilgrims every year.
The Moula Ali shrine holds immense historical and religious significance. According to legend, it was built during the reign of Sultan Ibrahim Qutb Shah, the third ruler of the Golconda kingdom. The shrine is believed to house a sacred handprint of Imam Ali, discovered by Mallik Yakoot and later enshrined at the site by the Sultan.
