NHAI and Maharashtra Sign MoU for Ropeway Projects

The Maharashtra government has joined hands with the National Highways Logistic Management Limited (NHLML), a 100 per cent owned special purpose vehicle of the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) for infrastructure development, to implement ropeway as part of the National Ropeway Programme ‘Parvatmala’. The state government has proposed a total of 40 ropeway projects for consideration under the scheme, which aims to provide eco-friendly and cost-effective transportation solutions in hilly and remote areas.

MoU with NHLML

The Maharashtra Public Work Department and NHLML formalised their collaboration by signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) last week. According to the MoU, NHLML is responsible for implementation, development, construction, operation and maintenance of the identified ropeway projects. State governments are required to sign a MoU with NHLML for the development of ropeway networks. The MoU is expected to bring effective implementation, development, construction, operation and maintenance of the identified projects .

Proposed ropeway projects

The state government has put forward a total of 40 ropeway projects for consideration under the scheme. These proposals are mainly from Mumbai, Satara, Raigad, Nashik, Nanded, Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg, with an additional five projects from Pune. Some of the proposal entail providing ropeway connectivity to major tourist destinations such as Sinhagad Fort, Rajgad Fort, Shivneri Fort, Darya Ghat, and Lenyadri Ashtavinayak at Junnar in Pune .

Ongoing ropeway projects

Among the 40 proposed projects, the state-owned NHLML has already initiated work on four ropeway projects, with a combined investment exceeding Rs 1,000 crore. While, the detailed project report (DPR) of three projects — Rajgad fort in Pune, Matheran hill station and Mahad in Raigad district — are being worked out, bids have been invited to build a new ropeway from Brahmagiri to Anjaneri Hills in Trimbakeshwar at Nashik. The 5.7-km-long Brahmagiri-Anjaneri Hills ropeway will connect both these important places atop the respective hills, which are separated by a distance of around 7 km .

Benefits of ropeway projects

Ropeway is considered as an alternative mode of transportation that can reduce traffic congestion, pollution and travel time in urban areas. It can also enhance accessibility and mobility in hilly and remote regions where road connectivity is difficult or expensive. Ropeway can also boost tourism and local economy by providing scenic views and attracting visitors .

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