Himachal CM Sukhu Says State Will Follow Centre’s Call On Bijli Mahadev Ropeway Project In Kullu District

Amid protests against the proposed Bijli Mahadev Ropeway Project in Himachal Pradesh’s Kullu district, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Tuesday (4 October) said the state government will go by the Centre’s decision on the project, the Hindustan Times reported.

Sukhu said that all stakeholders’ sentiments will be respected, but the project has already started, and added that objections should have come before tree cutting began.

The Rs 284 crore ropeway project, being built under the Union government’s Parvatmala Yojana (National Ropeways Development Programme), aims to provide sustainable, all-weather transport in the hilly terrain.

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari laid its foundation stone in March 2024.

“This is a 50-50 joint venture project with the Centre. Since the Prime Minister has assigned this matter to JP Nadda, whatever decision he takes will be implemented, keeping in mind people’s sentiments,” Sukhu added, stressing that the project is vital for tourism development in Kullu.

He noted that all religious formalities had been completed and that the Centre has made a significant financial investment.

The 2.3 km-long ropeway will have 10-seater cabins, cutting the travel time from three hours to just seven minutes.

Executed by the National Highways Logistics Management Limited (NHLML), it has secured Stage-1 in-principal clearance from the environment ministry and is expected to be completed by 2026.

However, locals from Kharal Valley and members of the Bijli Mahadev Sangharsh Samiti have opposed the project, warning that it could damage the sacred hill.

A delegation led by former MP Maheshwar Singh met Union Health Minister JP Nadda in Delhi to convey local concerns and submitted a dossier outlining environmental and religious objections.

The report will be forwarded to the Prime Minister for review.

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