The Jammu and Kashmir government has invited bids for preparing detailed project reports (DPRs) for the development of three major ropeway projects, including an 11.60 km stretch from Baltal to the Amarnath cave shrine, aimed at easing pilgrim movement during the annual yatra.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, in a written reply to the J&K Assembly, stated that the National Highways Logistics Management Ltd (NHLML) has also invited bids for DPRs of three additional ropeway projects—two in Budgam and one in Ramban district. This follows the March 15, 2022 decision by the Lieutenant Governor-led Administrative Council and the subsequent government order dated September 6, 2023, regarding ropeway development under the Parvatmala initiative.
The chief minister revealed that a list of 52 ropeway projects for J&K had been proposed, with bidding currently underway for a 1.05 km ropeway to the Shankaracharya temple in Srinagar. However, bids for a 2.12 km ropeway from Darshan Deopdi to Shivkhori temple in Reasi were annulled due to an ongoing court case.
As per the latest tender issued on January 25, 2025, the NHLML has invited bids for DPRs of the Baltal-Amarnath ropeway, an 8.80 km Bhaderwah-Seojhdar ropeway in Doda, and a 1.60 km Sonamarg-Thajiwas Glacier ropeway. These projects are expected to enhance accessibility for both pilgrims and tourists.
Additionally, DPR bids are being sought for the Parihas-Diskhal ropeway at Doodhpathri, Sutharan-Tosamaidan ropeway in Budgam, and Nashri Tunnel-Sanasar lake ropeway in Ramban. Meanwhile, a pre-feasibility study is underway for the Karchiall-Wasamarg ropeway in Ramban. [KNT]
