By Sunil Sonker
Mussoorie, 5 Mar: The Gun Hill Ropeway is currently closed for repair and maintenance. However, it is likely to be restarted by Holi. The ropeway located at Mussoorie Mall Road has been closed till Holi for repair work. This has caused disappointment among tourists, locals and traders. The ropeway will be operational only after getting the safe running certificate from IIT Roorkee.
Ropeway manager Amit Bangwal said that other technical works including track rope shifting, new hauling rope, bearing, hanger work, gear box are being done. In these, the main wire has to be changed every three months and once a year the corrosion of both the ropeways is completely repaired and the parts are replaced. Technical testing of the ropeway is also done from the point of view of safety before the tourist season. After the completion of the technical work, a safe running certificate will be taken from IIT Roorkee. Only after this will the operation of the ropeway be started. Till then tourists will be able to go to Gun Hill only on foot. But it will be difficult for the elderly and disabled people to go this way. The wires of Mussoorie’s Gun Hill Ropeway have to be changed every year. This is necessary so that there is no problem in the safety and operation of the ropeway. There is a lot of pressure on the wires of the ropeway, especially during weather changes and heavy snowfall or rain, due to which they have to be changed regularly to ensure the strength and safety. This process is very important for the good operation of the ropeway and the safety of the passengers.
Gun Hill is a major tourist attraction of Mussoorie. It is located at an altitude of about 2,024 metres (6,640 feet) above sea level and is famous as the second highest peak of Mussoorie. The beauty, historical importance and thrilling experience of this place make it a centre of attraction for tourists.
Gun Hill got its name during the British rule, when a cannon was installed here. This cannon was fired twice a day (morning and evening) to tell the time in Mussoorie. From Gun Hill, one gets to see an unmatched view of Mussoorie and its surrounding hilly area, as also a wonderful view of the snowy peaks of the Himalayas, particularly at sunrise and sunset. Company Bagh and Dhanaulti can also be seen from Gun Hill. The ropeway starts from the main market area of Mussoorie and reaches Gun Hill. During the ropeway journey, tourists get a wonderful experience of seeing the views of mountains and greenery.
Tourists can also enjoy hiking and trekking here. There are also long trekking trails in the vicinity of Gun Hill, which provide a great experience for adventure lovers.
