Parvatmala Pariyojana: The government will build 200 ropeway projects worth Rs 1.25 lakh crore In five years.
Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari said the National Ropeway Development Program (Parvatmala Pariyojana) is set to launch more than 200 projects in the next five years with a total cost of Rs 1.25 lakh crore.
Gadkari stressed on making the ropeway economically viable and reducing the overall project cost. To promote the establishment of strong ropeway networks across the country, he called for encouraging Public-Private Partnership (PPP). The Minister also discussed the potential of the ropeway to promote tourism in hilly areas and as a suitable mode of urban public transport.
Gadkari stressed the need to create indigenous and cost-effective solutions. He believed that the ropeway has immense potential to have a positive impact on the tourism and employment of the country.
The minister said the initiative is in line with India’s economic goals, saying the country is on its way to becoming a $5 trillion economy as per Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s plans. Gadkari stressed on the need to focus on timely, cost-efficient, qualitative and sustainable infrastructure development to improve the overall quality of life of the citizens.
Gadkari said there is a need for standardization of rules and codes to transform the ropeway industry. Under the ‘Make in India’ campaign, he tried to promote ropeway construction.
The Union Minister informed that 60% construction assistance is given under Hybrid Annuity Mode (HAM for ropeways), while 40% assistance is given under National Highways. The objective of this strategic move is to attract more private players for the development of ropeway under the ranges project.
Speaking at the seminar, Anurag Jain, Secretary, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, pointed out the direct relationship between improved quality of life of citizens and development of infrastructure. Investors were motivated to take advantage of the opportunity to invest in India, given the country’s status as one of the fastest growing economies in the world.
NHAI Chairman Santosh Kumar Yadav gave insights into the development of key projects through Bharatmala Pariyojana and highlighted its positive impact on the Indian economy.
The “Symposium-cum-Exhibition” created a platform to work between Indian and foreign manufacturers, technology providers, concessionaires and infrastructure developers. The program aimed to localize ropeway equipment and encourage ‘Make in India’.
Two ropeway projects were honored during the event: Bijli Mahadev Ropeway Project (Himachal Pradesh) and Dhosi Hill Ropeway Project (Haryana). HLML and IIT Roorkee have also signed an MoU to create a Center of Excellence for Ropeway and other innovative alternative mobility systems.
The seminar concluded on developing roadside facilities for better public convenience. The exhibition showcased the latest ropeway technologies from both Indian and foreign manufacturers to highlight the important role of ropeways in the development of India’s economy under the National Ropeway Development Programme. The day-long event featured critical analysis, highlighted areas for policy making and emphasized the vital role of ropeways in enabling safe, cost-effective and sustainable transportation in India.
