Uttarakhand is preparing to become India’s ropeway hub. In partnership with the Centre, the state has proposed 51 ropeway projects. Together, they will cover about 160 km. Notably, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has asked agencies to start ground work by 9 November.
Why Uttarakhand Needs Ropeway Projects
Uttarakhand has tough mountain terrain. Therefore, ropeways offer a smart alternative mode of transport. Moreover, they are safe, quick and eco-friendly. They can also ease access to religious and tourist places.
Tourist numbers keep rising every year. In fact, more than 6.03 crore tourists and pilgrims visited the state in 2025. Meanwhile, road traffic and vehicle pollution are also increasing. So, ropeways can reduce pressure on hill roads. Further, they can reach remote areas where roads are hard to build.
Key Ropeway Projects in Uttarakhand
- Purkul–Library (Mussoorie): This 5.2 km ropeway is under construction. Once ready, it will cut the Dehradun–Mussoorie trip to just 15–20 minutes.
- Janki Chatti (Kharsali)–Yamunotri: It will spare pilgrims a steep 5 km climb to the Yamunotri temple.
- Thuligad–Purnagiri: It will help devotees reach the Purnagiri shrine in Champawat.
- Rishikesh–Neelkanth: The full ropeway will be 6 km long. In phase one, a 4.1 km line will link Triveni Ghat to Neelkanth Mahadev temple.
- Chandi Devi–Mansa Devi (Haridwar): Also, two new parallel alignments will add to the existing line.
Rising Pilgrim Numbers at Purnagiri
Shri Purnagiri Dham in Champawat is a major Siddhpeeth of north India. Notably, 24,62,319 devotees visited it between 1 April and 19 September this year. However, the route passes through a hard mountain path. Hence, the planned ropeway will bring major relief.
Feasibility Studies
Uttarakhand Metro has received several projects in Almora, Dehradun and Nainital for feasibility studies. According to Housing Secretary Dr R Rajesh Kumar, the first focus is on Rishikesh–Neelkanth. Similarly, the integrated Haridwar ropeway is a priority.
Link With Parvatmala Pariyojana
These plans also connect with the national Parvatmala Pariyojana. Under this programme, the Centre approved the Kedarnath and Hemkund Sahib ropeways in 2025. Thus, Uttarakhand stands at the centre of India’s ropeway push.
Benefits for Local People
The Chief Minister said ropeways will ease access and protect the environment. Also, they will lower traffic pressure on roads. As tourism grows, local people will gain more jobs and self-employment.
Why Uttarakhand Ropeway Projects Matter for UKPSC
Notably, UKPSC often asks about infrastructure projects in the state. So, remember the 51 projects, the 160 km length and key routes. Also, link this story with Parvatmala Pariyojana. Next, for a related story, read about the Rishikesh–Karnaprayag rail line and Namo Bharat plan. For scheme details, also visit the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. You can also download our free Uttarakhand Current Affairs magazine.
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