News Brief
Shrinithi K
May 30, 2025, 03:46 PM | Updated 03:46 PM IST
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In a bid to promote spiritual tourism and eco-friendly transport infrastructure, the Uttarakhand government has signed a pact with a Switzerland-based firm for Kunjapuri ropeway project in state's Tehri district.
The state government inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Bartholet Maschinenbau AG, a Swiss ropeway manufacturer, on Wednesday (28 May) to develop a ropeway from Tapovan in Rishikesh to Kunjapuri Temple in Tehri’s Narendranagar, reported Indian Express
The project will be executed under a public-private partnership (PPP) model, using a design-build-finance-operate-transfer (DBFOT) framework.
As part of the MoU, Bartholet will be responsible for preparing detailed project report at its own cost, based on comprehensive techno-economic assessments.
Officials cited in the IE report said the ropeway would offer seamless, safe, and environmentally sustainable access to the temple, reducing vehicular pressure on the sensitive Himalayan terrain and significantly cutting travel time.
The proposal by Bartholet was reportedly finalised after evaluation by a high-level committee.
Located at an altitude of over 1,600 metres, Kunjapuri Temple is one of 13 Shaktipeethas in Uttarakhand.
The temple offers panoramic views of the Garhwal Himalayas, and the new ropeway is expected to enhance pilgrim access while supporting the state’s religious tourism economy.