Uttarakhand government inks deal with Swiss firm for Rishikesh ropeway
In a significant boost to sustainable tourism and pilgrimage infrastructure, the Uttarakhand government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Swiss ropeway manufacturer Bartholet Maschinenbau AG for the development of a ropeway connecting Tapovan in Rishikesh to the Kunjapuri Temple in Narendranagar.The initiative, led under the guidance of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, Tourism Minister Satpal Maharaj, and the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board, marks a major milestone in the state's infrastructure development.advertisementThe ropeway project will offer seamless and eco-friendly access to Kunjapuri Temple, a prominent spiritual and tourist destination, significantly reducing travel time while enhancing safety and minimising environmental impact.
Bartholet, a globally renowned Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) and part of the HTI Group, was selected after rigorous evaluation by a high-level committee.In a first-of-its-kind approach in India, the OEM will be involved from the conceptual stage through to commissioning and operations. The company will also prepare the Detailed Project Report (DPR) at its own cost, ensuring global standards in both design and implementation.The early involvement of the OEM is expected to eliminate technical ambiguities and design flaws, resulting in reduced implementation timelines and smoother execution. This model is being viewed as a revolutionary precedent not just for Uttarakhand but as a potential benchmark for ropeway projects across the country.advertisementThe project will be executed under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model using the Design-Build-Finance-Operate-Transfer (DBFOT) framework. It is anticipated to ease traffic congestion, improve connectivity, and boost safety for both pilgrims and tourists. Additionally, the initiative is set to generate local employment and long-term revenue for the state.Bartholet's selection was based on its proven expertise in executing projects in challenging terrains, its compliance with international safety standards, and its advanced ropeway technology. The transparent selection process underscores Uttarakhand's commitment to innovation, efficiency, and adherence to global best practices.Trending Reel
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Indian Express
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Time of India
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