By Arun Pratap Singh
Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 10 Dec: The proposed ropeway project to Neelkanth Mahadev in Rishikesh has finally received clearance from the National Board for Wildlife. This paves the way for early beginning of the construction on the project. The implementing agency, Uttarakhand Metro Rail, Urban Infrastructure and Building Construction Corporation Limited (UMRC), has indicated that while informal reports of the clearance have been received through the media, the official communication is expected in a few days. Once the authorised correspondence reaches the State Government, further proceedings on the project will begin.
The agency confirmed that the project had already secured approval from the Uttarakhand State Cabinet, while only the forest clearance from the Centre was pending. With this crucial approval now granted, all formalities for the ropeway project stand completed, and work on the ground is expected to start soon.
It may be recalled The Rishikesh–Neelkanth Mahadev Ropeway Project was first proposed on 11 June 2020, when the Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority chaired by the then Chief Minister had approved the preparation of a feasibility report. Subsequently, a memorandum of understanding was signed with the Indian Port Rail & Ropeway Corporation Limited to prepare the feasibility report for the ropeway from Rishikesh city to Neelkanth Mahadev. The project further received Uttarakhand Cabinet approval on 9 May 2023, after which it was forwarded to the Central Government for forest clearance.
According to the proposal, the ropeway will originate at Rishikesh Bus Stand and will pass through Triveni Ghat and then reach Neelkanth Mahadev before extending up to Parvati Mata Temple. It will have two stations, one at Triveni Ghat and the other at Neelkanth Mahadev Temple. It may be reminded here that the horizontal distance between Triveni Ghat and Neelkanth Mahadev is 4.1 kilometres, with an elevation of 614 metres. Around 21 towers are planned for the entire stretch. The project is expected to ease traffic congestion on the busy road leading from Rishikesh to Neelkanth Mahadev and generate employment opportunities for the local residents.
The ropeway is being projected as a sustainable and pollution-free mode of transport. Once operational, devotees will be able to enjoy panoramic views of the natural and geographical beauty of the region while travelling to Neelkanth Mahadev. The project is also expected to enhance Rishikesh’s global prominence as a tourism destination. Significantly, the ropeway will provide a convenient alternative to the steep climb to Neelkanth Mahadev, which has long posed challenges for children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities.
