7 new ropeways to boost tourism in Himachal Pradesh

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To improve first and last-mile connectivity through Ropeways, National Highways Logistics Management Limited (NHLML) and Himachal government have inked an MOU for the construction of several Ropeways in the Himalayan state under the ambitious ‘Parvatmala Yojana’.

The collaboration would facilitate a unique, eco-friendly, scenic, and seamless travel experience for tourists in the state. Further by leveraging world-class technology, 7 ropeway projects of a total length of 57.1km will be established at the cost of 3,232 Crore.

The MOU was signed under the presence of the Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari along with Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh Jai Ram Thakur, and MoS V. K. Singh. They also reviewed the ongoing developmental projects in the State. Further, senior government officials were also present at the occasion.

Details of 7 ropeways in Himachal

1. Palampur Thatri – Chhunja Glacier of length 13.5km with a cost of Rs. 605 Crore.
2. Shirgul Mahadev Temple to Chudhar ( District – Sirmour) of length 8 km with a cost of Rs. 250 Crore.
3. Lunhu – Bandla (District – Bilaspur) of length 3 km with a cost of Rs. 150 Crore.
4. Himani to Chamunda (District – Kangra) of length 6.5 km with a cost of Rs. 289 Crore.
5. Bijli Mahadev Temple (District – Kullu) of length 3.2 km with a cost of Rs. 200 Crore.
6. Bharmour to Bharmani Mata Temple of length 2.5 km with a cost of Rs. 120 Crore.
7. Killar to Sacch Pass (District – Chamba) of length 20.4 km with a cost of Rs. 1618 Crore.

About Parvatmala Scheme

Parvatmala initiative is an ecologically sustainable alternative in place of conventional roads in difficult hilly areas. Besides promoting tourism, the objective is to improve connectivity and convenience for commuters.

This scheme is also suitable for the implementation in congested urban areas where a traditional mass transit system would be impractical.

According to the Finance Minister, contracts for eight 60-kilometer ropeway projects will be given in 2022-23. Currently, the scheme is being implemented in Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Manipur, Jammu and Kashmir, and other North-Eastern states.

Ropeway for Connectivity: Building Parvatmala for Hilly areas

The government has decided to build ropeways for hilly areas as an alternate and efficient means of connectivity.

Until now, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MORTH) has been in charge of developing highways and regulating the country’s road transport sector. However, the Government of India (Allocation of Business) Rules 1961 were revised in February 2021, allowing the Ministry to oversee the development of ropeways and alternative mobility solutions.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, while presenting Union Budget for 2022-23 announced that the National Ropeways Development Programme, Parvatmala, will be taken up on the Public-private partnership (PPP) model.

The initiative will provide a boost to the transportation sector by establishing a regulatory framework. In addition, the Ministry will be in charge of ropeway and alternative transportation solutions, technology development, as well as construction, research, and policy in this field.