Uttarakhand Ropeway Projects Approved Under Parvatmala Scheme
Source:The Hindu ↗

Why It Matters
Important for Uttarakhand state-specific current affairs, infrastructure development, and regional tourism, frequently asked in UKPSC PCS Prelims.
Summary
The Union Cabinet has approved two new ropeway projects in Uttarakhand to improve connectivity and facilitate pilgrim and tourist movement in the hilly state under the Parvatmala initiative.
Key Points
- The Union Cabinet approved two major ropeway projects in Uttarakhand under the National Ropeways Development Programme (Parvatmala Pariyojana).
- The projects aim to enhance connectivity, ease pilgrim and tourist movement, and boost regional tourism in Uttarakhand.
- These initiatives are crucial for ecologically sensitive mountainous terrains where conventional road expansion is challenging.
Important Terms
Union Cabinet
The apex executive body of the Indian government, headed by the Prime Minister, responsible for supreme decision-making, policy formulation, and administrative governance.
UPSC context
UKPSC Paper II / Indian Polity & Governance: Tests knowledge of executive decision-making, central approvals, and policy execution in governance.
Parvatmala Initiative
A flagship central government scheme (National Ropeways Development Programme) aimed at developing safe, eco-friendly, and efficient ropeway infrastructure in hilly regions via PPP models to boost tourism.
UPSC context
UKPSC Uttarakhand Geography and Infrastructure: Essential for questions on hilly terrain transport networks, tourism corridors, and central schemes.
Static Concepts Connected
What are the key institutional mechanisms and objectives of the Parvatmala Pariyojana (National Ropeways Development Programme)?
- Nodal Ministry: Spearheaded by Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) for ropeway development in hilly terrains.
- Executing Agency: Implemented via National Highways Logistics Management Limited (NHLML) as a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV).
- Core Objectives: Focuses on ecological sustainability, landslide reduction, and seamless pilgrim/tourist last-mile connectivity.
Cross-Topic Patterns
Ropeways + Eco-Fragile Himalayan Infrastructure Management
Parvatmala combines transport infrastructure with eco-fragile hill management, often appearing alongside disaster resilience and Char Dham road widening challenges in Uttarakhand Mains.
NHLML + National Ropeways Development Programme linkage
Projects executed by NHLML (NHAI subsidiary) connect central transport funding with state-level pilgrimage tourism economics under the National Ropeways Development Programme.
Parvatmala Pariyojana and 3S technology ropeways in Uttarakhand prone to matching questions on central schemes and executing agencies.
Linked PYQs · 3
Linked PYQs · 3
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