DEHRADUN – In a high-level review meeting held on Tuesday, Uttarakhand Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan took stock of the ambitious ropeway initiatives currently underway across the state. Emphasizing the government’s vision to revolutionize hilly connectivity, the Chief Secretary directed officials to fast-track pending approvals and ensure that the projects adhere to strict timelines to boost tourism and ease local mobility.
A key highlight of the meeting was the directive to strengthen BRIDCUL (Bridge, Ropeway, Tunnel, and Other Infrastructure Development Corporation of Uttarakhand Ltd) as the primary regulatory authority for all ropeway projects in the state. This move is intended to streamline the monitoring process and ensure that safety and technical standards are met with professional rigor.
Accelerating the Kedarnath and Hemkund Sahib Projects
The Chief Secretary specifically reviewed the progress of the iconic Gaurikund-Kedarnath and Govind Ghat-Hemkund Sahib ropeways. These projects are considered lifelines for the state’s religious tourism, promising to reduce arduous treks of several hours to mere minutes.
For the Kedarnath project—expected to be one of the longest and highest ropeways in the world—Anand Bardhan instructed the team to conduct a logistics dry run. This is a critical step in testing the supply chain and operational readiness before full-scale implementation. The goal is to provide a seamless travel experience for the thousands of pilgrims who visit the Himalayan shrine annually.
Resolving Bottlenecks in the Mussoorie Ropeway
Addressing urban congestion and enhancing the tourist experience in the “Queen of Hills,” the Chief Secretary focused on the Dehradun-Mussoorie ropeway corridor. He noted specific hurdles regarding a road near the lower terminal of the project and issued a strict deadline of three days to resolve these localized issues.
The government aims to complete this project within the stipulated timeframe to offer a sustainable alternative to the traffic-heavy road route. Once operational, it is expected to significantly reduce the carbon footprint and travel time between Dehradun and Mussoorie.
Strengthening BRIDCUL and the Regulatory Framework
By positioning BRIDCUL as the central regulatory authority, the Uttarakhand government is moving toward a more centralized and efficient management style for hilly infrastructure.
- Unified Oversight: BRIDCUL will oversee technical feasibility, environmental clearances, and safety audits.
- PPP Model Efficiency: The state is increasingly looking at the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model for these projects, and a strong regulatory body is essential to manage these collaborations.
- Infrastructure Synergy: Integrating ropeways with existing bridge and tunnel projects will create a holistic transit network across the state’s difficult terrain.
Socio-Economic Impact and Future Outlook
The “Parvatmala” initiative, under which these ropeway projects fall, is expected to bring a tectonic shift to the state’s economy. Beyond tourism, these systems will facilitate the transport of goods and provide emergency medical transit in areas where roads are often blocked by landslides during the monsoon.
The meeting concluded with a call for better coordination between various departments, including Forest, Public Works (PWD), and Tourism, to avoid bureaucratic delays. With the Chief Secretary’s direct intervention, the state looks poised to witness a significant transformation in its transport landscape over the coming year.
Projected Benefits at a Glance:
| Project Name | Current Focus | Expected Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Kedarnath Ropeway | Logistics Dry Run | Reduces 16km trek to a 28-min ride. |
| Hemkund Sahib | Progress Review | Significant relief for elderly pilgrims. |
| Mussoorie Ropeway | Terminal Road Issues | Decongestion of Dehradun-Mussoorie road. |
| Statewide (50 Projects) | Prioritization | Year-round connectivity for remote villages. |
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