Ropeway companies take flight to revolutionize travel and tourism with ambitious plans

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, particularly in mountainous regions. Minister for roads and highways, Nitin Gadkari, emphasized the strategic importance of ropeways in enhancing economic appeal and boosting local mobility solutions.

One of the early adopters of this initiative is Usha Breco, a pioneer in the ropeway sector with projects in Gujarat, Uttarakhand, Kerala, Odisha, and Assam. The company is actively seeking to expand its operational scope beyond the nine ropeways it currently manages under the ‘Udan Khatola’ brand. With a focus on public-private partnerships, Usha Breco is evaluating four new projects that could significantly enhance tourist destinations.

Similarly, Skyview by Empyrean is considering a project to overhaul ski facilities in Uttarakhand’s Auli region, with plans to develop more ropeways in Jammu & Kashmir and the North East states. FIL Industries, the parent company of Skyview, is investing over ₹500 crore in building ropeway systems in Mussoorie and Yamunotri.

The government’s commitment to supporting ropeway development with 60% construction funding under the HAM is attracting more private investment. Ropeways offer a viable and economical alternative to traditional public transport systems, especially in less populous cities. With capacities ranging from 3,000-4,500 people per direction per hour, ropeways can significantly enhance urban mobility in tier II and III cities.

Overall, the ropeway industry in India is poised for growth, with companies like Usha Breco, Skyview, and FIL Industries leading the way in transforming travel and tourism infrastructure. The development of new ropeway projects is set to enhance local transportation solutions and boost regional tourism.