Parvatmala Pariyojana:
The union cabinet recently approved two major ropeway projects- Govindghat to Hemkund Sahib Ji (12.4 km) and Sonprayag to Kedarnath (12.9 km)- in Uttarakhand, which will be developed under National Ropeways Development Programme – Parvatmala Pariyojana.
- The National Ropeways Development Programme, known as the ‘Parvatmala Pariyojana’, was announced in the 2022-23 Union Budget.
- Under the Parvatmala Pariyojana, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways envisages the provision of safe, economical, convenient, efficient, self-sustainable & world-class ropeway infrastructure providing first- and last-mile connectivity to improve logistics efficiency in India.
- The programme aims to improve connectivity and convenience for commuters in hilly regions and to decongest urban areas where the conventional mode of transport is saturated or not feasible.
- The aim is to improve connectivity and convenience for commuters, besides promoting tourism.
- For the development of ropeway infrastructure in dense forests, in urban areas, and in difficult terrains, the ministry is collaborating with various state governments/UT administrations.
- The Centre has identified more than 200 projects at a cost of Rs 1.25 lakh crore under the programme.
- The projects are being implemented through Public-Private Partnership with around 60% contribution support by the Government of India.
