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The ParvatmalaPariyojana, launched in the Union Budget 2022–23, is a Central Government initiative aimed at developing ropeway infrastructure across the country, especially in hilly, forested, and difficult terrains. It aims to provide safe, sustainable, and efficient transport alternatives to reduce congestion, improve tourism, and enhance last-mile connectivity.

Key Features of the Programme

• Implementing Agency:National Highways Logistics Management Limited (NHLML), a 100% SPV of NHAI, under the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH).
• Funding Model:
  • Projects are implemented under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, specifically Design-Build-Finance-Operate-Transfer (DBFOT) mode.
  • The Government of India contributes ~60% of the total cost.
• Target:Development of over 250 ropeway projects covering 1,200+ km, with an estimated investment of ?1.25 lakh crore.
• Budget Allocation:?300 crore was allocated in FY 2024–25, with ?200 crore utilized by December 2024.

Recent Cabinet Approvals in Uttarakhand (March 2025)

Two major ropeway projects under the scheme received Union Cabinet approval:

• Govindghat to Hemkund Sahib Ji Ropeway
  • Length: 12.4 km
  • Technology:
    • Monocable Detachable Gondola (MDG): Govindghat to Ghangaria (10.55 km)
    • Tri-cable Detachable Gondola (3S): Ghangaria to Hemkund Sahib (1.85 km)
  • Capacity: 1,100 passengers/hour/direction (PPHPD); up to 11,000 passengers/day
  • Elevation: Hemkund Sahib is located at 15,000 ft in Chamoli district
  • Pilgrim Footfall: Approx. 1.5–2 lakh annually
• Sonprayag to Kedarnath Ropeway
  • Length: 12.9 km
  • Technology: Tri-cable Detachable Gondola (3S)
  • Capacity: 1,800 PPHPD; up to 18,000 passengers/day
  • Elevation: Kedarnath is at 3,583 m (11,968 ft) in Rudraprayag district
  • Pilgrim Footfall: Around 20 lakh annually

• Total Project Cost: Over ?6,811 crore

Advantages of Ropeways

• Lower land acquisition requirements
• Suitable for eco-sensitive and congested areas
• More cost-effective than roads in difficult terrains despite higher construction cost per km
• Boosts religious and adventure tourism, generating local employment and economic development

Other Ropeway Projects (2024–25 Update)

• Under Construction:Varanasi Ropeway (Uttar Pradesh): 3.85 km
• Awarded Projects:Bijli Mahadev (HP), Dhosi Hill (Haryana), Mahakaleshwar Temple (MP) – Total 4.93 km