Dehradun: To speed up ropeway projects in the state, Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan held a review meeting and issued several important directives. The progress of various ropeway projects was assessed, with emphasis on accelerating work and strengthening coordination.
The Chief Secretary directed that BRIDCUL be strengthened as the regulatory body for ropeway projects. He also instructed that a framework defining its roles and responsibilities be prepared soon. Additionally, directions were given to include a ropeway in the Jageshwar Dham project to promote religious tourism.
It was decided to form a subcommittee to determine priorities for ropeway construction in the state. The committee will be chaired by the Principal Secretary (Planning) and will include officials from tourism, housing, the Public Works Department, and the Civil Aviation Development Authority. It will decide where ropeways should be constructed.
During the review of the Mussoorie ropeway project, the Chief Secretary instructed that road-related issues connected to the lower terminal be resolved within three days. Detailed discussions were also held on the Kedarnath and Hemkund Sahib ropeway projects. For the Kedarnath ropeway, logistics dry runs and identification of sensitive areas have been ordered before beginning improvement work.
Special attention was also directed toward parking arrangements, land identification, and infrastructure development. Officials were instructed to prepare PERT charts for all projects to ensure timely completion.
It was informed in the meeting that the agreement for the Kedarnath ropeway project has been signed and technical surveys are ongoing. Land surveys for the Hemkund Sahib ropeway are also in progress.
The government aims to make transportation easier and give a new direction to tourism through these projects.
