Parvatmala Pariyojana, Developing Ropeway Infrastructure, An Efficient and Safe Alternate Transport Network

Parvatmala Pariyojana: It is a National Ropeways Development Programme that was proposed Union Budget 2022. Parvatmala Scheme is also important for UPSC Prelims Exam 2023 and UPSC Mains Exam (GS Paper 3- Indian Economy- Development of Infrastructure).

Parvatmala Pariyojana in News

Recently, while addressing the ‘INTERALPIN 2023 Fair’, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Shri Nitin Gadkari informed about various aspects of Parvatmala Yojna. Additionally, he mentioned that the government is encouraging the production of ropeway components as part of the “Make in India” program.

Background of Parvatmala Yojana

Union Finance Minister Smt Nirmala Sitharaman, while presenting Union Budget for 2022-23, announced the National Ropeways Development Programme – “Parvatmala” – which will be taken up on PPP mode.

• An amendment was made to the Government of India (Allocation of Business) Rules 1961 in February 2021, which expanded the responsibilities of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.
• Specifically, the ministry was granted the authority to oversee the development of ropeways and other forms of alternative mobility solutions.

About Parvatmala Scheme

Indian government aims to undertake more than 250 projects under the “Parvatmala Pariyojana” initiative in the next 5 years, involving the construction of over 1,200 km of ropeway.

• Implementation: The focus will be on public-private partnership (PPP) through the Hybrid Annuity Model, with the government providing 60% of the funding support.
• Parent Ministry: Parvatmala Scheme is being implemented by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.
• The Parvatmala Pariyojana is being started in regions like Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Manipur, Jammu & Kashmir and the other North Eastern states.

Factors Driving Ropeway Infrastructure in India

Important factors driving Ropeway Infrastructure are discussed below-

Economical mode of transportation

Being an aerial mode, building ropeways involves lower land acquisition costs. Hence, despite having a higher cost of construction per km than roadways, construction cost of ropeway projects happens to be more economical than that of roadways.

Faster mode of transportation

Ropeways have an advantage of getting built in a straight line over a hilly terrain, thus taking minimum time to cover distance.

Environment-friendly

Transportation via ropeways involves 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 which has three cables — two for support and one for propulsion) or equivalent technologies can transport 6000-8000 passengers per hour.

Benefits of Ropeway Infrastructure

Important Benefits of Ropeways in India are discussed below-

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.

Economy

Ropeways have multiple cars propelled by a single power-plant and drive mechanism. This reduces both construction and maintenance costs. The use of a single operator for an entire ropeway is an added saving in terms of labour cost.

Flexible

A ropeway allows for the simultaneous transport of different types of material. Parvatamala Scheme will help in attaining this feat by developing sustainable and robust ropeway infrastructure.

Ability to handle large slopes

Ropeways and cableways (cable cranes) can handle large slopes and large differences in elevation. Where a road or railroad needs switchbacks or tunnels, a ropeway travels straight up and down the fall line.

Low footprint

The fact that only narrow-based vertical supports are needed at intervals, leaving the rest of the ground free, makes it possible for ropeways to be constructed in built-up areas and in places where there is intense competition for land use.

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