Experts asked to explore myth of Charminar tunnel

The National Geophysical Research Institute (NGRI) may be able to finally explore the myth of the existence of a tunnel between the Charminar and the Golconda Fort, beneath the ancient Lad Bazaar road in the Old City of Hyderabad.

Tourism Department director G. Kishan Rao said "the terms of reference" of a job awarded to the NGRI did not include actually finding the legendary tunnel.

"I personally do not believe there is any tunnel there. But if something like that is discovered, then the whole beautification concept of Charminar and its surrounding areas will change."

The tourism department hired the NGRI to find out what the condition of the soil was under the Lad Bazaar road and to suggest ways on how the department should go ahead with the beautification project.

The NGRI is expected to submit its findings next month and digging in the area will be undertaken based only on the report.

The tourism department hired the Ahmedabad-based Vastu Shilpa Consultancy firm to recommend how beautification of the Charminar and its surrounding area could be done.