Nitin Gadkari,Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways.
The Central government is gearing up to amplify the scope of the National Ropeways Development Programme’s ‘Parvatmala Pariyojana,’ with a comprehensive plan that includes over 200 projects amounting to Rs 1.25 lakh crore in the pipeline for the next five years.
In a recent address at the ‘Ropeway: Symposium-Cum-Exhibition’ in New Delhi, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari highlighted the government’s commitment to foster economically viable ropeways and advance sustainable transportation and connectivity. During the event, Gadkari revealed that numerous projects are slated for completion under the National Ropeways Development Programme ‘Parvatmala Pariyojana’ within the upcoming five years.
Emphasizing the need for cost-effectiveness, Gadkari urged concerted efforts to reduce overall project costs and extend an invitation to the private sector to actively participate in these ventures. He disclosed that a significant 60% of construction support is allocated under the Hybrid Annuity Mode (HAM for Ropeways), in contrast to the 40% support provided for National Highways. This strategic move aims to attract greater involvement from private entities in the development of ropeways under the ‘Parvatmala Pariyojana.’
Beyond its role in boosting tourism in hilly regions, Gadkari underscored the immense potential of ropeways for urban public transport. He stressed the importance of focusing on the development of indigenous and cost-efficient solutions while maintaining paramount safety standards.
Sources informed that tenders have already been issued for ropeway projects connecting Assam’s Kamakhya temple and Uttarakhand’s Kedarnath temple. Furthermore, it was revealed that a tender for ropeway connectivity to the Mahakaleshwar temple is imminent.
This strategic expansion of the ropeway projects under the ‘Parvatmala Pariyojana’ signifies the government’s proactive approach to enhancing connectivity, promoting sustainable transportation, and creating opportunities for private sector participation in transformative infrastructure initiatives.
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