MCC halts work on controversial tonga ticket counter near Mysuru Town Hall after public outcry

The Mysuru City Corporation (MCC) has halted the construction of a controversial ticket counter for the proposed Heritage Tonga Stand on the footpath near Mysuru Town Hall, following strong public opposition.

The ticket counter, part of the Union government’s Swadesh Darshan 2.0 initiative, was being built adjacent to Town Hall, close to the iconic Mysuru Palace and Chamaraja Circle — all within the city’s core heritage zone. The move drew criticism from conservationists and residents, who argued that such construction would undermine Mysuru’s heritage value and historic character.

The proposed ticket counter, estimated to cost ₹1.8 crore, was part of the larger ₹18 crore Tonga Experience Centres project.

Sources in MCC said the work, initiated by the Tourism Department, was stopped because formal permissions had not been obtained. Civic officials noted that an alternative, suitable location could have been identified had proper consultation taken place.

Historian N.S. Rangaraju, a former member of the district’s Heritage Sub-Committee, recalled that a team of Tourism Department officials from Bengaluru had visited Mysuru about two years ago to identify locations for four such counters. 

They had proposed the construction of two such ticket counters at Chamaraja Circle and one each near Gun House Circle and Mysuru Zoo.

However, the committee — comprising Mr. Rangaraju and retired principal of SJCE Shakeeb Ur Rahman — had strongly opposed these selections, warning they would “spoil the heritage of Mysuru.” Mr. Rangaraju alleged that construction began at one of the previously rejected sites after the committee’s term ended.

Tongas, Mysuru’s pride

Emphasising the cultural value of traditional horse-drawn carriages, Mr. Rangaraju said tonga rides should indeed be promoted, but without compromising heritage zones. 

He suggested alternative locations earlier recommended by the committee, including Kantimallanna Bus Stand at Agrahara Circle and a site near the ‘Pay and Use’ facility at Gandhi Square managed by Namma Mysuru Foundation.

Instead of placing structures in sensitive areas, he proposed that authorities consider online ticketing or operate shuttle buggies to counters located at appropriate sites.

It is the second time in recent months that an attempt has been made to construct a ticket counter on the footpath adjacent to the Town Hall. The public had opposed structures near the Mysuru Palace. An information kiosk set up by the City Police near Balarama Gate of Mysuru Palace was removed following public outcry against the alleged violation of heritage norms near the Mysuru Palace.