Dehradun: Uttarakhand has taken a major leap toward sustainable transportation and tourism development with the signing of a landmark agreement between the National Highways Logistics Management Limited (NHLML) and the Tourism Department of the state. The agreement sets in motion the development of 50 ropeway projects, marking a transformative phase in eco-friendly infrastructure in the hill state.
These ropeway projects will be executed under a new entity named Uttarakhand Ropeway Development Limited, which will be responsible for issuing Letters of Award (LoAs) to selected bidders and coordinating the implementation of the projects.
From Dehradun Airport to Chardham: Ropeways to Form Statewide Loop
The ambitious ropeway plan envisions a comprehensive loop connecting:
- Dehradun Airport
- Tanakpur
- Pantnagar Airport
- Chardham circuit (Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri, Yamunotri)
- Pindari Glacier
- Munsiyari
- Dharchula
- Kailash and Om Parvat areas
This seamless network of ropeways will enhance connectivity, ease traffic congestion, and significantly reduce environmental impact in one of India’s most ecologically sensitive and sacred regions.
Sustainable Development at the Core
Calling the ropeways a “zero-emission and environmentally friendly” mode of transport, officials highlighted the project’s alignment with sustainable and climate-resilient development goals. The initiative will minimize:
- Tree felling for road widening
- Soil erosion
- Landslide-prone construction
- Vehicular emissions
It is expected to become a model for green mobility in other hilly and ecologically fragile regions of India.
Focus on Kainchi Dham: Ropeway to Ease Pilgrim Travel
One of the flagship projects in the first phase is the Kathgodam–Nainital–Kainchi Dham ropeway corridor:
Phase 1: Ropeway from Kathgodam to Nainital
Phase 2: Extension from Nainital to Kainchi Dham (approx. 8 km)
With rising footfall at Kainchi Dham, the ropeway will alleviate chronic traffic bottlenecks and offer smooth access to devotees visiting the shrine of Neem Karoli Baba, a site that draws lakhs of pilgrims annually.
Uttarakhand Aims to Become Green Transport Leader
Speaking on the occasion, Tourism Secretary Dhiraj Garbyal said:
“This ropeway initiative will not only modernize transport but position Uttarakhand as a global model for sustainable tourism, technological innovation, and environmental preservation. It’s a massive leap forward.”
The ropeway network will also enhance accessibility for the Chardham Yatra, reduce travel times, and create new opportunities for local employment and tourism-based businesses.
