NEW DELHI: Nitin Gadkari, Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Government of India, has unveiled ambitious plans for the National Ropeways Development Programme, also known as the ‘Parvatmala Pariyojana.’ The initiative is slated to embark on more than 200 projects over the next five years, with an estimated total cost of ₹1.25 lakh crore.
While addressing the ‘Ropeway: Symposium-Cum-Exhibition’ in New Delhi, Gadkari said, “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 added, “Apart from facilitating tourism in the hilly areas, the ropeway offers huge potential in the urban public transport as well. The focus should be on developing indigenous and cost-efficient solutions without compromising safety.”
During the same event, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was inked between the National Highways Logistics Management Limited (NHLML) and the Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee. The MoU aims to establish a center of excellence for ropeways and other innovative alternative mobility systems.
Gadkari highlighted the government’s commitment to standardize existing policies and codes, aiming to transform the ropeway industry. Emphasising the “Make in India” initiative, he expressed the government’s push to encourage the manufacturing of ropeway components domestically.
The Minister disclosed that, under the ‘Parvatmala Pariyojana,’ 60 percent of construction support is provided under the Hybrid Annuity Mode (HAM for Ropeways), compared to 40 percent support under National Highways. This strategic move is designed to attract more private players for the development of ropeways and enhance the success of the initiative.