Rohtang Ropeway
| Rohtang Ropeway | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Location in Himachal Pradesh Rohtang Ropeway Location in Himachal Pradesh | |||
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| Overview | |||
| Palchan–Rohtang Ropeway | |||
| Status | Under construction / proposed | ||
| Character | Tourist / mountain transport | ||
| Location | Kullu district, Himachal Pradesh, India | ||
| Country | India | ||
| Coordinates | 32°51′N 77°10′E / 32.85°N 77.17°E Fatal error: The format of the coordinate could not be determined. Parsing failed. | ||
| Termini | Kothi (near Manali / Palchan) Rohtang Pass | ||
| No. of stations | 4 | ||
| Services | Manali region, tourists | ||
| Construction cost | ₹540 crore (US$75 million)[1] | ||
| Construction begin | 2024 (expected) | ||
| Operation | |||
| Owner | Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation / state authority | ||
| Carrier capacity | 8–10 passengers (typical gondola size) | ||
| Trip duration | 35 minutes approx.[2][2][1] | ||
| Technical features | |||
| Aerial lift type | Gondola / ropeway | ||
| Line length | 7.1 km[2][1] | ||
| No. of cables | 1 (monocable) | ||
| |||
The Rohtang Ropeway (also known as the Palchan–Rohtang Ropeway) is an under-construction aerial ropeway project in Himachal Pradesh, India. It aims to provide year-round access to Rohtang Pass and reduce vehicular traffic on the ecologically sensitive Manali–Rohtang route.
Overview
The ropeway is part of Himachal Pradesh’s sustainable transport initiative to reduce congestion and pollution near Rohtang Pass. The 7.1 km route will link Palchan to Rohtang with intermediate stations at Gulaba and Marhi. When completed, it will carry around 1,500 passengers per hour and cut the two-hour road journey to about 30 minutes.[3]
Route and Design
The ropeway will consist of four stations:
- Palchan (Base Terminal) - near the Beas River
- Gulaba Station - tourist zone and eco-market
- Marhi Station – midway rest and viewpoint
- Rohtang Pass Station – terminal at 3,978 m (13,050 ft)
The system is designed as a detachable gondola type, with cabins operating on a bi-cable line for improved stability and efficiency.[4]
History
The project was first proposed in the early 2010s after the National Green Tribunal restricted diesel vehicles to reduce emissions at Rohtang. It was revived under a public–private partnership model in the 2020s after delays in forest and environmental clearances.[5]
Construction
The project received Stage I and II forest clearances, involving felling of around 550 trees and compensatory afforestation commitments. Construction is divided into three phases: Palchan-Gulaba, Gulaba-Marhi, and Marhi-Rohtang. Estimated cost has risen from ₹390 crore to ₹540 crore due to design changes and inflation.[2]
Environmental Impact
The ropeway is expected to reduce pollution, noise, and soot accumulation caused by thousands of tourist vehicles. Mitigation measures include:
- Sewage treatment plants and solid-waste systems at stations
- Tree plantation drives in affected areas
- Controlled tourism zones at Gulaba and Marhi[6]
Local Response
While environmentalists and the state government supported the project for its sustainability benefits, villagers raised concerns over land rights, tree cutting, and local livelihood impact. Taxi and hotel associations in Manali initially opposed the project fearing loss of business.[6]
Expected Benefits
Once operational, the Rohtang Ropeway will:
- Enable year-round access to Rohtang Pass
- Reduce tourist vehicle load on mountain roads
- Lower carbon emissions and fuel use
- Boost eco-tourism and employment opportunities in the region[5]
See also
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Government of Himachal Pradesh (2017). Pre-feasibility Report for the Rohtang Ropeway Project. Department of Tourism and Civil Aviation, Shimla.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 "Work on Rohtang ropeway to start from April". The Tribune India. March 2021.
- ↑ "Rohtang ropeway construction to begin soon". The Tribune India. March 2021.
- ↑ "Palchan–Rohtang ropeway gets green signal". The Times of India. August 2015.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 "Cabinet to decide soon on Rohtang ropeway". The Indian Express. June 2015.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 "Palchan villagers dig in against ropeway project". The Times of India. August 2017.
External links
References
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