Feasibility studies for 10 ropeway projects are to be undertaken by the Central Government. The National Highways Logistics Management Ltd (NHLML), a 100 per cent owned special purpose vehicle of National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), has been assigned to develop ropeways projects under Parvatmala Pariyojana in the entire country.
Key points
- The ropeway between Light House and Besant Nagar is for a distance of 4.60 km. The project in Matheran in Maharashtra is for a distance of 5 km; Tirupati (4 km); Shankar Viman mandapam – Triveni Pushp – Ulta Quila, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh (4 km); Parking to Banke Bihari Temple in Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh (3.00 km); Dugdh dhara Falls to Kapil Dhara Falls, Amarkantaka, Mandla in Madhya Pradesh (3 km); Omkareshwar Jyotirling in Madhya Pradesh (2 km); Gujarat Statue of Unity (SOU), Kevadya (2 km); Gujarat Sabarmati River Front, Ahmedabad (3km) and Raigad Fort, Mahad in Maharashtra (1.50 km).
- The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MORTH) has so far been responsible for development of Highways and regulating the road transport sector across the country. However, in February 2021, the Government of India (Allocation of Business) Rules 1961 was amended, which enables the Ministry to also look after the development of Ropeways and Alternate Mobility Solutions.
- Union Finance Minister Smt Nirmala Sitharaman, while presenting Union Budget for 2022-23 announced National Ropeways Development Programme – “Parvatmala” — will be taken up on PPP mode, which will be a preferred ecologically sustainable alternative in place of conventional roads in difficult hilly areas.
- The idea is to improve connectivity and convenience for commuters, besides promoting tourism.
(Sources: Business Line and PIB)
