India to develop 200 ropeway projects at a cost of ₹1.25 lakh crore in five years

New Delhi, India (Urban Transport News): In a significant move towards bolstering India's transportation infrastructure, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, has announced an ambitious plan under the National Ropeways Development Program, "Parvatmala Pariyojana." The initiative aims to identify and implement more than 200 projects with an estimated cost of Rs 1.25 lakh crore over the next five years.

Speaking at the 'Ropeway: Symposium-Cum-Exhibition' in New Delhi, Gadkari emphasized the need to make ropeways economically viable by reducing overall project costs and encouraging Public-Private Partnerships (PPP). The Union Minister highlighted the dual potential of ropeways, not only as facilitators of tourism in hilly areas but also as a significant component of urban public transport.

Gadkari stressed the importance of focusing on developing indigenous and cost-efficient solutions without compromising safety standards. He asserted that ropeways could play a pivotal role in boosting tourism and creating job opportunities in the country, aligning with India's vision to become a $5 trillion economy.

Addressing the investors at the symposium, Anurag Jain, Secretary, MoRTH, underscored the correlation between infrastructure development and improved quality of life for citizens. He encouraged investment in India, stating that the country would remain one of the fastest-growing major economies globally.

NHAI Chairman, Santosh Kumar Yadav, shared insights into the development of flagship projects under Bharatmala Pariyojana, emphasizing their positive impact on the Indian economy.

The symposium also highlighted the government's efforts to standardize policies and codes while promoting the manufacturing of ropeway components under the "Make in India" initiative. Under the Parvatmala Pariyojana, 60% construction support is provided under the Hybrid Annuity Mode (HAM for Ropeways), making it an attractive proposition for private players.

The event witnessed the award of two ropeway projects – the Bijli Mahadev Ropeway Project in Himachal Pradesh and the Dhosi Hill Ropeway Project in Haryana. Additionally, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between NHLML and IIT Roorkee to create a center of excellence for Ropeways and other innovative alternate mobility systems.

The day-long symposium and exhibition aimed at fostering industry collaborations, promoting 'Make in India,' and developing a roadmap for the localization of ropeway components. Panel discussions with industry experts covered topics such as building safer and affordable ropeway systems, improving the ropeway industry landscape, and enhancing Public-Private Partnerships in India.

The National Ropeways Development Program represents a transformative step towards building a safer, cost-effective, and sustainable mode of transportation. The symposium not only provided key insights but also laid the groundwork for policies that will promote indigenous manufacturing and enhance the capacity and capability of ropeway technology in India.