Parvatmala Scheme
Recently, an efficient and safe alternative transport network, “Parvatmala” (Parvatmala Scheme) has been announced in the Union Budget.
- The Union Finance Minister had announced the National Ropeway Development Program “Parvatmala” in the Union Budget for the year 2022-23. This program will provide a better and ecologically sustainable alternative to traditional roads in difficult mountainous areas.
- This program will promote tourism. Additionally, it will also focus on improving connectivity and facilities for passengers.
- This program is currently being launched in Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Manipur, Jammu and Kashmir and other northeastern states.
- In February 2021, the Government of India (Allotment of Work) Rules 1961 was amended. This amendment enables the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways to oversee the development works of ropeways and alternative transport.
Key factors driving ropeway infrastructure
- The cost of land acquisition in ropeway projects is low.
- It is a fast mode of transportation.
- It is environment friendly, as it does not generate pollutants like dust etc.
- Ropeway transport modes can carry 6000-8000 passengers per hour (Last Mile Connectivity).
Benefits of ropeway:
- It is the ideal choice for inaccessible/challenging/sensitive areas.
- There are many cars in the ropeway. They are powered by only a single power plant and drive mechanism. This reduces both construction and maintenance costs.
- Different types of material can be transported simultaneously by ropeway.
- Ropeways and cable-ways (cable cranes) are functional in areas with large slopes and elevations.
Source – The Hindu
