More ropeways could soon fit into your travel plans
If you’ve ever taken a ride on a ropeway anywhere in India,, say, in snow-capped Gulmarg (Kashmir) in January, you’ll know the thrill it brings. Apart from boosting tourism, ropeways offer an additional mode of transportation in various regions.
In fact, according to people in the know, more ropeways could soon be added to your travel plans, as the central government‘s move to increase availability of ropeways gains traction among operators.
Companies like Usha Breco and Skyview by Empyrean are gearing up to construct more ropeways nationwide.
In January, roads and highways minister Nitin Gadkari announced plans to develop more than 200 ropeway projects valued at ₹1.25 trillion over the next five years. The idea is to revolutionize travel and tourism, particularly in mountainous regions.
The Union minister had emphasized the benefits of reducing project costs and fostering public private partnerships (PPP) as catalysts for a proliferation of such projects.
Among the early adopters of this initiative is Delhi-NCRheadquartered Usha Breco.
Established in 1969 with its first passenger ropeway at Maa Mansa Devi in Haridwar, the company is currently evaluating four projects that could significantly expand its operational scope.
With its existing projects spread across Gujarat, Uttarakhand, Kerala, Odisha and Assam, Usha Breco is actively seeking to extend its footprint using the build-operate-transfer (BOT) model in partnership with the government.
Currently, it operates nine ropeways under the ‘Udan Khatola’ brand in places like
Jatayupura and Malampuzha in Kerala, Girnar in Junagarh, Haridwar and Odisha.
Manoj Panwar, president of operations at Usha Breco, said that increasing domestic travel demand has elevated the role of ropeways at key tourist destinations.
Advancements in technology have simplified access to mountainous and remote areas via ropeways, making them crucial for urban and tourist transportation, Panwar said.
In recent years, the company has invested more than ₹200 crore to develop ropeways at places like Jatayupara in Kerala and Girnar in Gujarat.
A recent memorandum of understanding with the Uttarakhand government involves a ₹1,000 crore investment to initiate new projects, he added.
The company plans to spend about ₹25 crore annually over the next three years on maintenance and repair of existing facilities, funded through internal accruals.
A November 2023 report by CARE Edge Ratings highlighted Usha Breco's strategy to boost its operational income above ₹250 crore while maintaining robust profit margins, facilitated by the addition of new ropeway projects.
Meanwhile, in Maharashtra, proposals for five new ropeway projects by private entrepreneurs are reportedly expected to receive approval soon. These projects, including an 8-km long urban mobility ropeway from Sewri in Mumbai to Raigarh’s Elephanta island, are set to enhance local transportation solutions.
Skyview by Empyrean, another key player in the hospitality and ropeway sector, is considering a project to overhaul the ski facilities in Uttarakhand's Auli region.
Originally built in the 1970s, the existing ropeway and ski facilities in Auli are due for an upgrade.
Firms like Skyview by Empyrean and Usha Breco are coming up with plans to build more ropeways across India