Parvatmala: National Ropeways Development Programme

Context: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved two major ropeway projects in Uttarakhand under the Parvatmala Pariyojana: the Govindghat-Hemkund Sahib ropeway (12.4 km) and the Sonprayag-Kedarnath ropeway (12.9 km).

About Parvatmala Programme

• It is a government initiative to develop ropeway infrastructure in hilly and congested urban areas.
• It was launched in the Union Budget 2022-23 by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH).
• Implementing Agency: National Highway Logistics Management Limited (NHLML) under MoRTH.

Objective

• Develop ropeways as an alternative transport mode in hilly regions and urban areas.
• Improve connectivity for tourism, pilgrimage, and remote areas.
• Reduce travel time and environmental impact.
• Boost local economies and job opportunities.

Key Features of Parvatmala Programme

Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Model

• The projects will be implemented through a Public-Private Partnership with around 60% contribution support by the Government of India.

Indigenous Component Requirement

• At least 50% of the ropeway components must be manufactured in India, aligning with ‘Make in India’.

Environmental Sustainability

• Ropeways have minimal land and ecological impact & Lower emissions compared to conventional road transport.

Coverage & Scope

• Plan to develop over 250 ropeway projects covering 1,200 km in five years.
• Focus areas: Himalayan states (Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, J&K, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, etc.) and congested urban centers.

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