Understanding Parvatmala: A New Era in Indian Transportation

What is Parvatmala?

Definition: Parvatmala is a Government of India initiative under the National Ropeways Development Programme, aimed at developing ropeway infrastructure across the country, particularly in hilly and mountainous regions. This initiative seeks to enhance connectivity, promote tourism, and offer a sustainable transport alternative in challenging terrains.

Benefits of Parvatmala

• Improved Connectivity: Ropeways provide a reliable and efficient mode of transportation in areas where traditional road and rail infrastructure may be difficult or expensive to develop.
• Tourism Enhancement: By making remote and scenic locations more accessible, ropeways are expected to boost tourism, contributing positively to local economies.
• Environmental Advantages: Ropeways have a lower environmental impact compared to road or rail projects. They consume less land, reduce deforestation, and have a smaller carbon footprint.

Key Points

• Urban and Rural Integration: While the focus is on mountainous regions, ropeways are also planned in urban areas to address traffic congestion and improve public transport.
• Massive Investment: The government has planned over 200 ropeway projects worth ₹1.25 trillion over the next five years, covering various regions across India. This makes it a significant infrastructure initiative.

Major Projects Under Parvatmala

Kashi Ropeway, Varanasi

Purpose: To ease congestion in the densely populated city of Varanasi, especially around the Kashi Vishwanath Temple and Godowlia Chowk.
Length: 3.75 km with five stations.
Capacity: Each car will have a capacity of 10 passengers, with a system capable of transporting 20,000 passengers per day.
Status: Expected to be operational by May 2025.

Himachal Pradesh Ropeways

• Shimla: Planned to reduce traffic congestion and provide tourists with a scenic view of the city.
• Dharamshala: Similar projects are proposed to connect tourist spots and alleviate strain on road infrastructure.

Uttarakhand Ropeways

• Rishikesh to Neelkanth: A ropeway is planned to connect Rishikesh with the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, providing a quicker option for pilgrims.
• Kedarnath Ropeway: A ropeway from Gaurikund to Kedarnath is in the planning stages to enhance accessibility, especially during adverse weather conditions.

Jammu and Kashmir Ropeways

• Jammu to Patnitop: This project aims to connect Jammu with the popular hill station Patnitop, reducing travel time and enhancing the tourist experience.
• Gulmarg Expansion: Expansion of the existing ropeway in Gulmarg to accommodate more tourists and reduce wait times during peak seasons.

Northeast India

• Gangtok Ropeway, Sikkim: Existing ropeways in Gangtok are set to be upgraded and expanded to cater to the growing number of tourists.
• Tawang Ropeway, Arunachal Pradesh: Planned to connect key religious and tourist sites, improving accessibility in this remote region.

Future Outlook

The Parvatmala initiative is poised to revolutionize transport in India’s hilly regions and congested urban areas, providing a sustainable and efficient alternative to traditional transport methods. With significant investment and strategic planning, ropeways could become a common feature of India’s transport infrastructure in the coming years.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is the main purpose of the Parvatmala initiative?
Answer: The primary goal is to enhance transportation in hilly areas and integrate ropeways into urban public transport systems, improving accessibility and reducing congestion.

Q2. How is Parvatmala different from other transport projects?
Answer: Parvatmala focuses on ropeways, which require less land, are quicker to construct, and have minimal environmental impact compared to traditional road and rail projects.

Q3. Which areas will benefit from Parvatmala?
Answer: The initiative primarily targets hilly regions like Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Jammu and Kashmir, and the Northeastern states, as well as congested urban areas like Varanasi.

Q4. What are the environmental benefits of ropeways?
Answer: Ropeways reduce deforestation, occupy less space, and have a lower carbon footprint compared to conventional transport methods, making them an eco-friendly option.

Q5. Are ropeways cost-effective?
Answer: While the initial construction cost may be higher, ropeways have lower operational and maintenance costs, making them a cost-effective solution in the long term.

UPSC Practice MCQs

Question 1: What is the primary goal of the Parvatmala initiative?
A) Enhance transportation in hilly areas
B) Promote road transport
C) Increase railway connectivity
D) Improve air travel
Correct Answer: A