Parvatmala

In news– Recently, the Union Budget for 2022-23 announced the National Ropeways Development Programme – “Parvat Mala” to improve connectivity in hilly areas.

About Parvat Mala scheme-

The scheme will be taken up on PPP mode, which will be a preferred ecologically sustainable alternative in place of conventional roads in difficult hilly areas.
The idea is to improve connectivity and convenience for commuters, besides promoting tourism.
This may also cover congested urban areas, where conventional mass transit systems are not feasible.
The scheme is being presently started in regions like Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Manipur, Jammu & Kashmir and the other North Eastern states.
The initiative will provide a boost to the transportation sector by establishing a regulatory framework.
In addition, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways will be in charge of ropeway and alternative transportation solutions, technology development, as well as construction, research, and policy in this field.
The budget allocation for this scheme includes the creation of an institutional, financial, and regulatory framework for the technology.

Advantages of Ropeways-

Economical mode of transportation: Given that ropeway projects are built in a straight line over a hilly terrain, it also results in lower land acquisition costs.
Faster mode of transportation: Owing to the aerial mode of transportation, ropeways have an advantage over roadway projects where ropeways can be built in a straight line, over a hilly terrain.
Environmentally friendly: Low dust emissions. Material containers can be designed so as to rule out any soiling of the environment.
Last mile connectivity: Ropeway projects adopting 3S (a kind of cable car system) or equivalent technologies can transport 6000-8000 passengers per hour.
Ideal for difficult / challenging / sensitive terrain: This mode of transportation will enable mobility to people living in difficult areas and help them become part of the mainstream.
Flexible: Transport of different materials – A ropeway allows for the simultaneous transport of different types of material.
Ability to handle large slopes: Ropeways and cableways (cable cranes) can handle large slopes and large differences in elevation.