More than 200 projects under the ‘Parvatmala Pariyojana’worth Rs 1.25 lakh Cr to be built in 5 years : Nitin Gadkari

NEW DELHI : Indian Government is planning to increase the number of projects under the National Ropeways Development Programme’s ‘Parvatmala Pariyojana’, with more than 200 projects worth Rs 1.25 lakh crore in the pipeline in the next five years.

Union Minister Shri Nitin Gadkari on Tuesday addressed the ‘Ropeway: Symposium-Cum-Exhibition’ here, where he shed light on the government’s objective to make ropeways economically viable and the Centre’s steps towards sustainable transportation and connectivity. At the event, Gadkari said that several projects have been earmarked for completion under the National Ropeways Development Programme ‘Parvatmala Pariyojana’ over the next five years.

Shri Gadkari said India is on its path to become a $5 Trillion economy and achieve the dream of our Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji. He said today, our economy stands at 5th position, and we aim to reach 3rd position . The Union Minister said focus is on time-bound, Cost-Efficient, Qualitative and Sustainable infrastructure development. He said creation of ‘World-Class’ infrastructure ensures ‘Ease of Living’ of citizens and Socio-economic development in the region.

Shri Gadkari said priority is to bring standardization of existing policies & codes and transform the Ropeway industry by encouraging the manufacturing of Ropeway Components under the “Make in India” initiative.

The Union Minister said 60% Construction Support is provided under Hybrid Annuity Mode (HAM for Ropeways) as compared to 40% support provided under National Highways to attract more private players for development of ropeways under Parvatmala Pariyojana .

In his address to the investors at the Symposium, Shri Anurag Jain, Secretary, MoRTH said. “Development of infrastructure directly correlates to improved quality of life for the citizens. The Government of India has taken various initiatives that have not only streamlined working within the Government departments but has also enhanced ‘Ease of doing Business’ in the country. This is the right time to invest in India as for foreseeable future India will remain one of the fastest growing major economy in the world.”

Addressing the audience on ‘Infrastructure Growth in India’, NHAI Chairman, Shri Santosh Kumar Yadav shared details about development of various flagship projects under Bharatmala Pariyojana and highlighted the multiplier effect it will have on the Indian economy.

Gadkari called for efforts to reduce overall project costs and also invited the participation of the private sector. The Union Minister said 60 per cent of construction support is provided under Hybrid Annuity Mode (HAM for Ropeways) as compared to 40 per cent of support provided under National Highways to attract more private players for the development of ropeways under ‘Parvatmala Pariyojana’.

The day also marked the signing of MoU between NHLML and IIT Roorkee for creating a center of excellence for Ropeways and other innovative alternate mobility systems.

He said apart from facilitating tourism in the hilly areas, the ropeway offers huge potential for urban public transport as well. He also said focus should be on developing indigenous and cost-efficient solutions without compromising safety.

Top government sources told that tenders have already been issued for Assam’s Kamakhya temple and Kedarnath temple in Uttarakhand. The source added that very soon, a tender will be issued for ropeway connectivity to Mahakaleshwar temple.