India To Work On 200 Ropeway Projects With Rs 1.25 Lakh Crore, To Transform Urban Mobility

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has announced the launch of the National Ropeways Development Programme, named 'Parvatmala Pariyojana,' aiming to develop 200 ropeway projects at a staggering cost of Rs 1.25 lakh crore over the next five years.

Gadkari revealed this ambitious initiative during the 'Ropeway: Symposium-Cum-Exhibition' held on Tuesday (23 January).

In his address, Gadkari emphasised the importance of integrating ropeways into the urban rapid transport system to alleviate congestion in cities, reduce pollution, and streamline travel times.

He highlighted the need to make ropeways economically viable, urging a reduction in overall project costs and encouraging public-private partnerships to build a comprehensive ropeway network across the country.

Gadkari stated, "Our foremost priority should be to make ropeways economically viable by bringing down the overall project cost and encourage public private partnership to develop the ropeway network in the country."

He underscored the dual role of ropeways in fostering tourism in hilly regions and their significant potential in urban public transportation.

Under the Parvatmala Pariyojana, the government plans to provide substantial construction support of 60 per cent under the hybrid annuity mode for ropeways, a significant increase from the 40 per cent support provided for national highways.

This move aims to attract more private players to participate in the development of ropeways. Gadkari assured that states would contribute land for ropeway projects without the need for environmental clearances.

The minister emphasised the importance of developing indigenous and cost-efficient solutions without compromising safety. "Priority is to bring standardisation of existing policies and codes and transform the ropeway industry by encouraging the manufacturing of ropeway components under the Make-in-India initiative," he added.

On Tuesday (23 January), the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways awarded two ropeway projects: the Bijli Mahadev Ropeway project in Himachal Pradesh and the Dhosi Hill Ropeway project in Haryana.

Additionally, the National Highways Logistics Management entered into a memorandum of understanding with IIT Roorkee, to establish a centre of excellence for ropeways and other innovative alternate mobility systems, reports Economic Times.

Gadkari expressed optimism about the transformative potential of ropeways, citing their ability to positively impact tourism and job creation in the country.

"India is on its path to become a $5 trillion economy, and we aim to be the third-largest economy as against fifth now, with a focus on time-bound, cost-efficient, qualitative, and sustainable infrastructure development," he concluded.