Guwahati: Union road transport and highways minister Nitin Gadkari on Friday announced a Rs 213-crore ropeway project, connecting Kamakhya railway station with Kamakhya temple, covering a distance of 1.43 km.Terming the project as a transformation of a sacred journey with modern infrastructure, Gakari wrote on his X handle, “The 1.43 km Kamakhya Ropeway project reflects the spirit of ‘Vikas Bhi Virasat Bhi’ by reducing travel time from 20 to 6 minutes, enabling the movement of over 16,500 passengers daily through modern gondolas, promoting eco-friendly mobility, easing road congestion, and boosting local employment and tourism.”By road, the distance between the station and temple is around 7 km.Expressing his gratitude to the union minister, CM Himanta Biswa Sarma, in a post on his X handle, said the project was a fine example of ‘Vikas Bhi Virasat Bhi’, which will enhance pilgrim convenience, promote eco-friendly mobility, boost tourism and create local livelihoods.While bids for the project were invited in March last year, it will be developed under the Centre’s Parvatmala: National Ropeways Development Programme.The central govt’s Parvatmala Pariyojana initiative marks a significant leap in the country’s infrastructure development, enabling sustainable and efficient transportation in challenging terrains. The ropeway project aims to establish a safe, cost-effective, convenient, and world-class infrastructure, ensuring seamless first and last-mile connectivity to enhance logistics efficiency and improve overall mobility.Feasibility study for the project, as well as a similar initiative between Sonaram field at Bharalu to the temple, was completed between June and July last year.
