The Indian government’s ambitious plan to develop over 200 ropeway projects valued at ₹1.25 trillion over the next five years is set to revolutionize travel and tourism in the country. This initiative, spearheaded by Nitin Gadkari, the minister for roads and highways, aims to enhance mobility solutions in both tourist and urban destinations, particularly in mountainous regions.
One of the key players in this initiative is Usha Breco, a pioneer in the ropeway sector with projects spanning across Gujarat, Uttarakhand, Kerala, Odisha, and Assam. The company is actively seeking to expand its operational scope through public-private partnerships and the Build-Operate-Transfer model.
Similarly, Skyview by Empyrean is considering a project to upgrade the ski facilities in Uttarakhand’s Auli region, in collaboration with the state government. The company plans to evaluate more ropeway projects in Jammu & Kashmir and the North East states, further enhancing regional tourism.
FIL Industries, the parent company of Skyview, is investing over ₹500 crore in ropeway systems in Mussoorie and Yamunotri, with plans to expand the Dehradun-Mussoorie ropeway project and develop a dining complex at the valley’s summit.
Overall, the ropeway industry in India, although small, plays a crucial role in the infrastructure landscape and offers a viable alternative for urban mobility in tier II and III cities. With government support and private investments, the future of ropeways in India looks promising, not just as a transport solution but also as a catalyst for boosting tourism and economic growth.