New Delhi, Jan 24, 2024: In a bold move to transform India’s landscape, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari revealed a grand vision under the National Ropeways Development Programme, aptly named “Parvatmala Pariyojana”. This ambitious plan, soaring with a budget of Rs 1.25 lakh crore, aims to launch over 200 ropeway projects within the next five years.
Speaking at the ‘Ropeway: Symposium-Cum-Exhibition’ in New Delhi, Gadkari emphasized the need for economic viability in ropeways. He advocated for reduced project costs and encouraged Public-Private Partnerships, aiming to stitch together the nation’s urban and hilly regions with this innovative mode of transport. The Minister highlighted the twofold benefit of these ropeways – boosting tourism and revolutionizing urban public transport.
Gadkari, with an eye on the future, linked this initiative to India’s goal of becoming a $5 Trillion economy, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision. He stressed the importance of timely, cost-efficient, qualitative, and sustainable infrastructure development, noting that world-class infrastructure is key to ease of living and socio-economic growth.
In a push for self-reliance, Gadkari called for standardization in the ropeway industry and encouraged the domestic production of ropeway components under the “Make in India” initiative. Notably, the government is offering a substantial 60% construction support under the Hybrid Annuity Mode for ropeways, compared to the 40% support for national highways.
Anurag Jain, Secretary, MoRTH, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the direct correlation between infrastructure development and improved quality of life. He urged investors to capitalize on India’s status as one of the world’s fastest-growing major economies.
NHAI Chairman Santosh Kumar Yadav also addressed the audience, detailing various flagship projects under Bharatmala Pariyojana and their expected positive impact on the Indian economy.
The symposium aimed to foster industry collaborations and promote ‘Make in India’, offering a platform for deliberation and roadmap development for local ropeway component production. The event featured panel discussions on safer and affordable ropeway systems, public-private partnerships, and the enhancement of the ropeway industry landscape in India.
Two significant ropeway projects were awarded – the Bijli Mahadev Ropeway Project in Himachal Pradesh and the Dhosi Hill Ropeway project in Haryana. Additionally, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between NHLML and IIT Roorkee to establish a Center of Excellence for Ropeways and alternate mobility systems.
The event also showcased cutting-edge ropeway technologies from Indian and global manufacturers, emphasizing the role of ropeways in developing safer, cost-effective, and sustainable transportation under the National Ropeways Development Program. This initiative marks a significant step in India’s journey towards innovative infrastructure development, with ropeways poised to play a pivotal role in the nation’s economic growth.
