The Government of India, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is moving forward with plans to develop 18 major ropeway projects across the country, including a landmark 11.6-km ropeway from Baltal to the Amarnath shrine in Jammu and Kashmir. This ambitious initiative aims to provide easier, faster, and more cost-effective access to some of India’s most prominent religious and tourist destinations.
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has invited consultants to prepare detailed project reports (DPRs) for these projects, which will be executed under the ‘Parvatmala Pariyojana’ by the National Highways Logistics Management Limited (NHLML), a statutory body of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).
Ropeway to Amarnath: A Game-Changer for Pilgrims
The proposed ropeway to the Amarnath shrine, spanning 11.6 km from Baltal, could significantly ease the annual pilgrimage during the two-month Amarnath Yatra. Currently, pilgrims must trek from Baltal or Pahalgam or use helicopters, but the ropeway will offer a more accessible and affordable alternative.
Other Major Projects in the Pipeline
Several other notable religious and tourist sites are included in the ropeway development plan:
- Sabarimala Temple, Kerala: A 2.62-km ropeway is planned to connect Pamba with the Sabarimala Temple, reducing the steep two-hour climb for pilgrims.
- Parvathamalai Temple, Tamil Nadu: A 3.21-km ropeway to this sacred site, believed to be associated with the Ramayana’s Sanjeevani mountain, is proposed.
- Thajiwas Glacier, J&K: A 1.6-km ropeway will cater to tourists visiting Sonamarg during the peak season.
- Amer Fort to Nahargarh Fort, Rajasthan: A 6.45-km ropeway will link these two iconic forts, enhancing the visitor experience in Jaipur.
- Mussoorie to Kempty Falls, Uttarakhand: A 3.21-km ropeway will simplify access to this popular tourist spot.
- Shivneri Fort, Maharashtra: A 1.41-km ropeway will connect visitors to the birthplace of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
. - Mullayyana Giri, Karnataka: A 2.38-km ropeway will make India’s highest peak in Karnataka more accessible.
Focus on Religious Sites
Other key ropeways are planned for:
- Chamunda Devi Temple, Himachal Pradesh
- Kunjapuri Temple (Rishikesh), Uttarakhand
- Jwala Narasimha Swamy Temple and Sri Boyakonda Gangamma Temple, Andhra Pradesh
- Salkanpur Wali Mata Mandir, Madhya Pradesh
- Bhuban Pah Mahadev Temple, Assam
Existing Projects Underway
Projects for Kedarnath in Uttarakhand, Mata Vaishno Devi in Jammu and Kashmir, and the Shankaracharya Temple in Srinagar are already under development as part of the Parvatmala Pariyojana.
Transforming Connectivity and Tourism
The ropeway projects aim to reduce travel times, eliminate arduous treks, and make destinations more inclusive for all visitors. They also promise to boost local economies and enhance tourism by providing modern, sustainable transport solutions at major religious and tourist hubs.
With these initiatives, the Modi government is set to redefine pilgrimage and tourism in India, offering convenience, accessibility, and cost efficiency for millions of visitors every year.
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