Uttarakhand: Ropeway network will be built soon in Mussoorie, UKMRC held a meeting with stakeholders, see route map plan

An important meeting was held in the auditorium of Municipal Council Mussoorie regarding the establishment of ropeway network in Mussoorie. In this, the feasibility of various possible routes of the ropeway project proposed by Uttarakhand Metro Rail Corporation (UKMRC) in Mussoorie was discussed. In this, there was an in-depth discussion about the proposed ropeway network in Mussoorie. The local administration, technical experts, officials of the concerned departments and stakeholders associated with the project participated in this meeting. In the meeting, the ropeway project was said to be a necessity for development due to increasing tourist pressure, complex traffic problems and limited geographical resources in a tourist city like Mussoorie.

Ropeway network will be built soon in Mussoorie: Mussoorie MLA and Cabinet Minister in Uttarakhand Government Ganesh Joshi and Municipal Council President Meera Saklani were also present in the special presence of the meeting. Both the public representatives emphasized on the necessary precautions before implementing the ropeway project in a sensitive and tourism-dominated area like Mussoorie. Cabinet Minister Ganesh Joshi told the officials of the company taking forward the ropeway project that-

Before laying the foundation stone of Mussoorie ropeway network, it should be ensured that all the departmental no objection certificates have been received and land is available for the proposed route. It should not happen that the project is inaugurated and later there are problems regarding forest land, cantonment area or private properties. Keeping in mind the complex process of land use and environmental clearances in a hill station like Mussoorie, it is considered very important. The company should work on this beforehand.

-Ganesh Joshi, Cabinet Minister-

Minister Ganesh Joshi asked to review the suggestions of local people: Minister Ganesh Joshi said that Mussoorie is a major tourist destination not only of the state but also of the country and the world. Lakhs of tourists come here in the season and thousands of vehicles reach here. There is more pressure here than our caring capacity. If it is not controlled, then a major accident can also happen. He told that on his request, the Chief Minister had agreed to the ropeway project in Mussoorie. Uttarakhand Metro Rail Corporation (UKMRC) has surveyed four sites and discussed with the local people and taken feedback on important points. He asked the Metro officials to review the entire proposal again based on the suggestions of the local people.

The Municipal Chairman called the ropeway network a meaningful solution: Municipal Chairman Meera Saklani supported the ropeway project and said that-

Given the huge problem of traffic and parking in Mussoorie, the ropeway network can be a meaningful solution. I am personally in favor of it. But, the municipality has limited land. Therefore, private land may be required for the project. In such a situation, it is very important that the consent and convenience of the local residents is taken care of. The local community should not be inconvenienced by the development work and their interests should not be neglected.

-Meera Saklani, President, Municipal Council-

Emphasis given on 4 points: It became clear in the meeting that it is the priority of the government to develop the ropeway network in Mussoorie, so that tourism can be promoted and there is relief from the traffic problem. But at the same time it should also be ensured that-

• Approval is obtained from all departments in advance.
• Proper assessment of environmental and social impact should be done.
• The process of land acquisition should be transparent and dispute-free.
• Suggestions should be taken by communicating with the local people.

This is what UKMRC’s Managing Director said: UKMRC’s Managing Director Brijesh Mishra said that-

Stakeholders, technical experts and administrative officials associated with the project participated in the meeting. The objective of this project is to provide safe, accessible and environmentally friendly means of transport to tourists by reducing traffic pressure in a major tourist destination like Mussoorie. The state government wants to develop a modern ropeway system in Mussoorie. Which not only makes fast and uninterrupted movement possible between the major tourist destinations of the city, but also strengthens the local economy due to the increase in the number of tourists. The government under the leadership of the Chief Minister intends to make Uttarakhand a model state of sustainable tourism.

–Brijesh Mishra, Managing Director, Uttarakhand Metro Rail Corporation-

This is the ropeway route plan: The following proposed ropeway routes were discussed in the meeting-

• Multi-level parking to Chic Chocolate 230 meters
• Library Chowk to Lal Tibba 83 kilometers
• Camels Back Road to Kempty Falls 67 kilometers
• Library to George Everest House 71 kilometers

George Everest House to Bhadraja Temple (future plan) 44 km ropeway is proposed

Route plan designed for convenience of tourists: All these routes are being designed in such a way that tourists can easily reach from one place to another and vehicle traffic in the city can be reduced. The Managing Director of UKMRC said that in the 33rd board meeting held on 23 April 2025 under the chairmanship of the Chief Secretary, the proposal to prepare the feasibility report of the Mussoorie Ropeway Project was approved. Under this, tenders have been invited for the appointment of technical consultants. Suggestions and concerns were shared by the stakeholders on many important points in the meeting. These included extensive discussions on all topics, including sensitivity of route determination in cantonment and forest areas, identification of land for towers and station, consolidation of traffic at interchanges and terminals, balance of peak season vs normal days passenger numbers, timely permissions from various departments and coordination, so that every phase of the ropeway project could be carried forward smoothly and in a coordinated manner. Brijesh Mishra said that this project will not only provide relief to tourists, but will also promote green transport while preserving the beauty of Mussoorie. Along with this, new employment opportunities will also be created for the local youth.