Ropeway transportation to rope in tourism and employment through vast connectivity

Mumbai, February 13: Pitching to rope in vast network of ropeway transportation in the country, Union Minister for Road and Transport Nitin Gadkari aims to have a cost effective implementation of such a project which will prove to be a game changer for the transport system.

 

While addressing in the two day workshop of ‘Development of Ropeways, Sustainable Transport, Seamless Connectivity’ in Mumbai, he further stated about infrastructure development for ropeways and presenting a road map for executing such projects, Gadkari said the benefits of this mode of transport are immense as it will reduce travel timing, boost tourism as well as employment.

Gadkari assured the participants that he will make all out efforts to overcome challenges coming in the way of executing the projects, including talking to the Niti Ayog and coordinating with multiple ministries. He also appealed to major ports in the country to come forward and park their money into ropeways projects instead of putting them in banks.

The arrival of Ropeways would not only guarantee the unified integration in a multi-modal transportation system, but it can also be used as a feeder service to the mass rapid transport system. Besides, it will reduce traffic congestion on roads thus minimizing road accidents, will save fuel, protect environment from pollution, will save the time.

Gadkari, clarified the Central government would not offer any compensation or subsidy to stake-holders concerned in such projects. "Let me clarify that while putting their hands into such projects, people (companies) think that what kind of benefit or incentive we are going to get. Let me clarify that we are not going to give any compensation or subsidy. It's not a charitable or profitable move for us. But if they actualise these (ropeway) projects cost effectively, especially through our 'Make-In-India' motto, they will certainly reap an unexpected business," he said.

The workshop was organised by the Indian Port Rail Corporation Ltd. (IPRCL), an SPV formed under the Ministry of Shipping with the equity participation of major ports.