Future of Ropeways in India: Parvatmala Scheme Insights

Overview of Ropeways in India

Ropeways, commonly referred to as aerial lifts, cable cars, or chair lifts, serve as effective public transportation systems. These systems transport cabins, gondolas, or open chairs high above the ground using cables. They are particularly advantageous in mountainous regions where constructing roads or railways proves challenging and costly.

Parvatmala Scheme

The Parvatmala Scheme, often called the "mountain garland scheme," represents the world's largest ropeway project. This ambitious initiative aims to invest ₹1,250 billion (approximately US$15 billion) through a public-private partnership (PPP) model, with an implementation timeline stretching until 2030. The goal is to establish 200 new ropeway projects covering over 1,200 kilometers. These projects are designed to alleviate traffic congestion on narrow roads in major cities and provide affordable connectivity in mountainous and tourist regions.

Significance of Ropeways in India

• Geographical Advantage: Given that 30% of India is mountainous, ropeways offer a practical transportation solution with lower costs and higher returns on investment (ROI).
• First Ropeway: The Rajgir Ropeway in Bihar, a 333-meter-long chairlift built in the 1960s, holds the distinction of being India's first ropeway.
• Longest Ropeways: As of 2024, the Auli Ropeway in Uttarakhand stands as the longest in India at 4 kilometers, while the under-construction Mussoorie-Dehradun Ropeway will surpass this at 5.5 kilometers upon completion.
• Urban Ropeway: The Kashi Ropeway is notable as India's first urban ropeway and the third urban public transport ropeway globally.

Government Initiatives

• Project Expansion: The government plans to expand the Parvatmala Pariyojana to at least 400 projects over the next five years.
• Cost and Support: The government will offer 60% construction support under a hybrid annuity mode (HAM for Ropeways), compared to 40% for national highways, to attract private investment. States will provide the necessary land, eliminating the need for environmental clearances.
• Focus on Viability: Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has stressed the importance of making ropeways economically viable by reducing costs and promoting PPPs.
• Indigenous Development: There is a concerted effort to develop indigenous and cost-effective solutions while ensuring safety, supporting the manufacturing of ropeway components under the Make in India initiative.

Recent Developments

• Awarded Projects: Recent projects awarded include the Bijli Mahadev Ropeway in Himachal Pradesh and the Dhosi Hill Ropeway in Haryana.
• Collaboration: The National Highways Logistics Management has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with IIT Roorkee to establish a center of excellence for ropeways and other innovative mobility systems.

Economic and Social Impact

• Tourism and Job Creation: Ropeways have tremendous potential to enhance tourism and generate employment opportunities.
• Economic Growth: This initiative aligns with India's vision of becoming a $5 trillion economy, focusing on timely, cost-effective, qualitative, and sustainable infrastructure development.

Conclusion

The Parvatmala Scheme aims to transform transportation in India, especially in mountainous areas, by offering an efficient, cost-effective, and eco-friendly mode of transport. This initiative promises significant economic and social benefits, enhancing connectivity and fostering sustainable development.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is the Parvatmala Scheme?
Answer: The Parvatmala Scheme is India's largest ropeway initiative, aiming to invest ₹1,250 billion to build 200 ropeway projects over 1,200 km by 2030.

Q2. Why are ropeways important in India?
Answer: Ropeways provide essential connectivity in mountainous regions where traditional transport infrastructure is difficult and costly to build.

Q3. What are the benefits of the Parvatmala Scheme?
Answer: The scheme aims to enhance transportation efficiency, reduce traffic congestion, boost tourism, and stimulate economic growth in the regions served.

Q4. How does the government support ropeway projects?
Answer: The government provides significant construction support under the hybrid annuity model and facilitates land acquisition while reducing regulatory hurdles.

Q5. What are the longest ropeways in India?
Answer: Currently, the Auli Ropeway is the longest at 4 km, while the Mussoorie-Dehradun Ropeway will be the longest at 5.5 km upon completion.

UPSC Practice MCQs

Question 1: What is the primary aim of the Parvatmala Scheme?
A) To connect cities via roads
B) To establish ropeway projects
C) To promote rail transport
D) To enhance air travel
Correct Answer: B

Question 2: Which state has India's first urban ropeway?
A) Himachal Pradesh
B) Uttarakhand
C) Bihar
D) Uttar Pradesh
Correct Answer: D