In a groundbreaking move to boost sustainable tourism and pilgrimage connectivity, the Uttarakhand Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and Tourism Minister Satpal Maharaj, has signed an MoU with Swiss ropeway manufacturer Bartholet Maschinenbau AG.
The agreement focuses on constructing a state-of-the-art ropeway connecting Tapovan (Rishikesh) to the revered Kunjapuri Temple in Narendranagar. This initiative aims to provide eco-friendly, efficient, and safe travel for pilgrims and tourists while minimizing environmental impact.
Bartholet, a global leader in ropeway technology, will prepare the Detailed Project Report (DPR) at its own expense, ensuring adherence to international standards. Notably, this marks the first time in India that an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) has been involved from the project’s conceptual stage, ensuring seamless execution from planning to operations.
The Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, based on the Design-Build-Finance-Operate-Transfer (DBFOT) framework, will enhance local employment and generate long-term revenue for the state. This project sets a new benchmark for ropeway development in India, aligning with Uttarakhand’s vision for green and modern infrastructure.