Garhwal Post Bureau
Mussoorie, 29 Oct: Questions have once again been raised regarding the pace of construction and the timeline for the ambitious ropeway project connecting Purkul (Dehradun) to Mussoorie. BJP State Spokesperson Ravindra Jugran conducted a two-day on-site inspection of the project’s 26 pillars. Assessing the progress of the construction and the structural integrity of the pillars, he noted that the pace of work is not meeting expectations. According to him, at least five to six pillars require a thorough safety review and investigation. Consequently, there is uncertainty as to whether the ropeway will be operational by the scheduled deadline.
Environmentalists Dr. Deepak Joshi and Ravindra Singh Gusain also accompanied Jugran during the inspection. Jugran examined the condition of various pillars and the overall progress of the construction, noting that four pillars have yet to be erected. He emphasized that, given the current pace, it is essential to accelerate the work and conduct a serious review of all safety-related aspects.
The Purkul-Mussoorie ropeway is considered a significant project for both tourism and transportation. According to available project details, the initial cost was approximately Rs 285 crore, which has now risen to nearly Rs 350 crore. Along with this cost escalation, the construction timeline has also been revised. In light of these developments, transparency regarding the project’s progress and expenditure has become crucial. Expressing concern over the slow pace of the project, Jugran stated that, given the current status of construction, it seems unlikely that operations will commence on schedule. However, official information regarding the reasons for the cost overruns and delays has yet to be provided by the executing agency.
The proposed ropeway between Purkul and Mussoorie is approximately 5.5 kilometres long. According to the plan, it will feature around 52 cabins, and the journey from Purkul to Mussoorie will take about 35 minutes. Once completed, the project will offer an alternative mode of transport for tourists traveling to Mussoorie. It is also expected to help reduce vehicular pressure on the roads during the tourist season, though the actual impact will depend on the commencement of operations and the volume of passengers.
Initially, the project was scheduled for completion by September 2026, but the target has now been revised to May 2027. Ravindra Jugran remarked that, given the current pace of construction, the new deadline is also open to question. He emphasized the need to examine the safety aspects of the pillars and to accelerate the construction work. The ropeway project is viewed as a potential solution for both the tourism development of Mussoorie and the alleviation of traffic congestion. Consequently, delays in construction not only raise questions regarding the project’s costs and timelines but also extend the wait for this transport facility.
The safety-related concerns raised during the inspection are critical to the project. According to Jugran, about five to six pillars require a thorough review. The safety status will only become clear once the findings of the technical assessments and the reports from relevant experts are made available. The perspective of the relevant department or executing agency regarding project quality, the structural integrity of the pillars, construction progress, and the revised timeline will also be significant.
