Dehradun: Uttarakhand government is set to declare the Bridge, Ropeway, Tunnel, and Other Infrastructure Development Corporation of Uttarakhand Limited (BRIDCUL) as its only nodal agency for the ropeway development across the state.
Ropeway development is of utmost importance for a state like Uttarakhand known for its tough topography. There are several proposals for ropeway development projects at different points in the state.
Chief Secretary held meeting with officials
On Wednesday, chief secretary Radha Raturi held a meeting with the departments concerned and discussed the ways to make BRIDCUL as the state government’s only nodal agency for the ropeway development. Officials of different departments, including PWD, Tourism, Drinking Water, Irrigation and BRIDCUL, were present at the meeting.
Initiate quick action to declare BRIDCUL as only nodal agency
She directed the officers concerned to initiate quick action to declare the BRIDCUL as an expert agency for the total development of ropeway infrastructure, consultancy, technical and other services. She also asked them to take consent from the departments concerned as well as all the stakeholders in this process.
BRIDCUL is an experienced and expert organization in the ropeway construction
BRIDCUL, which is an undertaking of the state government, is an experienced and expert organization for the construction of ropeways and other projects. It also has enough human resources for the ropeway development. Chief Secretary Raturi asked the officials to take benefit of the BRIDCUL’s experience and expertise in the ropeway development. It will ensure fast progress in the ropeway development in the state.
Important proposed ropeway projects
The important ropeway development projects, proposed in the state, include Dehradun (Purukul Gaon)-Mussoorie, Gaurikund-Kedarnath ropeway, Janakichatti/Kharsali-Yamunotri and Govindghat to Ghaghariya.
Proposed Dehradun-Mussoorie ropeway project
Dehradun-Mussoorie ropeway project is important in view of its main aim to reduce the traffic load on both the cities- Dehradun and Mussoorie. Many people are expected to use the ropeway. Due to ease of use for visitors, the ropeway is expected to see heavy footfall and provide ample opportunity to be financially feasible. Once it becomes operational, it will reduce the travel time between Dehradun and Mussoorie from 2 to 3 hours to about 20 minutes during the peak season.
Proposed Gaurikund-Kedarnath ropeway project
All eyes are also on the Gaurikund-Kedarnath ropeway project. Kedarnath shrine, which is one among the holiest pilgrim centres of the country, is situated at an altitude of 3584 meters in the lap of mountain peaks. The distance between Gaurikund and Kedarnath is about 22 km and walking usually takes seven to eight hours on this trek route. So, there are high chances for the proposed ropeway project to become an attractive option for pilgrims in future.
