Himachal Pradesh Seeks Latest Innovation And Tech From Austria And Switzerland For Ropeway Projects In The State

Himachal Pradesh government has reached out to Austria and Switzerland seeking the latest technologies and developments in building ropeways in the hill state.

A delegation led by deputy chief minister Mukesh Agnihotri is currently attending the “Interalpin 2023 Fair”— a world-renowned trade fair for alpine technologies, in Austria and Switzerland, for seven days to learn about ropeway transportation in the Alpine region of Europe.

He said since the above nations are pioneering in constructing ropeways, the state can take their assistance and expertise for setting up modern technology equipped ropeways, as per The Print report.

The delegation visited Innsbruck, where world’s top manufacturers of ropeways, avalanche control equipment, snow grooming machines have exhibited their latest technology and innovation in these fields.

The deputy Chief minister also discussed the matter with the CEOs of various ropeway companies and discussed the initiatives being taken by the State Government to adopt the green and clean engine technology in a big way.

More Than 250 Ropeway Projects Under Parvatmala Pariyojana

As per recent reports, while addressing the Interalpin exhibition, Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari said that under the “Parvatmala Pariyojana”, the Government of India plans to develop over 250 projects with a ropeway length of more than 1,200 km over 5 years.

India's focus is on Public Private Partnerships (PPP) under Hybrid Annuity Model with 60 per cent contribution support by Government of India.

Interacting with Austrian industrialists and entrepreneurs led by the Federal Economic Chamber of Austria, Gadkari shared the emerging opportunities in India for infrastructure firms and manufacturers in the space of transportation, intermodal logistics, and infrastructure partnerships.

"We hope to see more partnerships and joint ventures between Indian and Austrian companies in the Roads and Transport sector and availing benefits provided under ‘Make in India’ and attractive new Production Linked Incentive Schemes," he said.

The 'Parvatmala Pariyojana' as the National Ropeways Development Programme, was announced during the Union Budget for 2022-23 by the Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.

The primary objective is to enhance transportation links and accessibility for commuters, while also encouraging tourism.

Under the programme, several ropeway development projects have been initiated in the country.

Following the developments, Swarajya has prepared a summary analysis in the form of a dashboard which indicates the ropeway projects that are under construction or in tendering stages across different states.