Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan reviewed the progress of ropeway construction in the state on Tuesday. During the meeting, the Chief Secretary sought updates on the current status of various ropeway projects. He issued directives to strengthen BRIDCUL, designating it as the regulatory authority for ropeway projects. He further instructed that a draft outlining its roles and responsibilities be prepared expeditiously. The Chief Secretary also directed that a ropeway project be incorporated into the Jageshwar Dham scheme.
The Chief Secretary directed the formation of a sub-committee to prioritize the construction of ropeways. He constituted this sub-committee under the chairmanship of the Principal Secretary (Planning), including the Secretary (Tourism), Secretary (Housing), Secretary (Public Works Department), and the Civil Aviation Development Authority as members. He stated that this sub-committee would determine the priority order for ropeways to be constructed across the state.
He emphasized that, for any ropeway project within a city, the Department of Tourism and the local administration must decide—in accordance with the city’s specific requirements—which locations are to be included in the route and which are to be excluded. The Chief Secretary issued instructions to resolve the issue regarding the public road access near the lower terminal of the Mussoorie Ropeway within the next three days and to ensure the completion of the associated work within the stipulated timeframe.
He further directed that, while conducting a logistics dry run for the Kedarnath Ropeway, the identification of unsafe locations and the necessary rectification work be initiated immediately. He issued instructions for the speedy completion of the Kund Bridge and the new bypass road. He added that wherever new bridges and bypasses are required, the associated tasks—including surveying and construction—should be undertaken concurrently and in a timely manner.
