25 Companies Vie for Ropeway Projects

epaper  annithisweek.in  chavinder sharma

25 Companies Vie for Ropeway Projects

Sunil Sharma

Twenty five companies, including Tata, participated in pre-bid meeting for establishing ropeway projects in Himachal. In which officials from Tourism, urban Development and others participated. The investors were apprised about the facilities being provided to them by the Himachal government. It is expected that bids for establishing five ropeway projects in the state will be received by October end. Earlier, a pre-feasibility meeting for ropeways was held on August 21 at Delhi.

Such projects have been lingering on since long. Previous Dhumal government had constituted special purpose vehicle for Sri Naina Devi ropeway project but the present government didn’t agree keeping in view the financial aspects and cancelled it. There was a proposal to set up a ropeway from Anandpur Sahib in Punjab to Sri Naina Devi. The present government is preparing to set up this ropeway project from Kaula Wala Tibba located in Himachal to the temple. Currently, Ganpati ropeway is operational from Sri Naina Devi bus stand to the temple. There is another proposal to set up ropeway from Tuti Kandi to old bus stand and to Mall Road in Shimla.

Another proposal is to set up ropeway from Chamunda to Himani Chamunda to boost religious tourism. There is also a proposal to connect Dharamshala with McLeodgunj with an objective to promote tourism keeping in view the presence of exiled Tibetans and His Holiness Dalai Lama at McLeodgunj. A proposal has also been prepared to connect McLeodgunj with Triund through ropeway. Currently three ropeways are operational in private sector at Barog, Sri Naina Devi and Kasauli in Himachal.

Tenders to Open on December 15

The companies have sought time keeping in view the holidays during festive season. Date for opening tenders has been increased from November 9 to December 15 on the request of companies. The big companies in the list include Tata Group, Damodar valley Corporation, Ganpati Ropeways and others.

Ropeway Sites

*        Sri Naina Devi: Kaula Wala Tibba to temple

*        Chamunda: from Chamunda to Himani Chamunda

*        Dharamshala: Dharamshala to McLeodgunj

*        McLeodgunj: McLeodgunj to Triund

*        Shimla: Tuti Kandi to old bus stand and Mall Road

* Ropeway facility will be effective for easy transportation in cities and many companies have shown interest. Chief Minister is serious about ropeway projects and the process will be completed by December 15, 2014

-Sudhir Sharma Urban Development Minister