Union Minister Nitin Gadkari Unveils Ambitious Rs 1.25 Lakh Crore Ropeway Development Plan for India

New Delhi (Amaravati Today): Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Shri Nitin Gadkari, has announced ambitious plans for the National Ropeways Development Programme, "Parvatmala Pariyojana," with over 200 projects identified at a cost of Rs 1.25 lakh crore in the next five years. Speaking at the 'Ropeway: Symposium-Cum-Exhibition' in New Delhi, he emphasized the need to make ropeways economically viable by reducing project costs and encouraging Public Private Partnerships (PPP). Ropeways, beyond benefiting tourism in hilly areas, offer potential in urban public transport.

Shri Gadkari stressed the importance of developing cost-efficient, indigenous solutions without compromising safety, believing that ropeways can boost tourism and create jobs. With India's aim to become a $5 trillion economy, he emphasized the focus on time-bound, cost-efficient, qualitative, and sustainable infrastructure development.

The Minister also called for standardizing policies and codes while promoting the manufacturing of ropeway components under the "Make in India" initiative. To attract private investment, 60% construction support is provided under the Hybrid Annuity Mode (HAM for Ropeways).

The event aimed to foster industry collaborations and promote 'Make in India,' with panel discussions on safer, affordable ropeway systems and enhancing PPPs. Awards were given for ropeway projects in Himachal Pradesh and Haryana, and an MoU was signed between NHLML and IIT Roorkee for a center of excellence in ropeways and mobility systems. The symposium highlighted ropeways' pivotal role in India's economic growth.