For the first time, ropeway projects will be included under the MLA priority schemes, as the guidelines for funding from are being modified.
Aerial ropeways are one of the most suited modes of transportation, both for men and material in the hilly terrain, but Himachal has not had much success with it. A few ropeways have been set up but these are primarily tourist attractions at popular destinations.
Sources said that decks had been cleared for the first ropeway under the MLA priority scheme to be funded by NABARD in Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakurs Seraj Assembly constituency in Mandi district. Approval had been given to set up an aerial ropeway between Pandoh and Baglamukhi. The ropeway with a span of 8.560 km would cost Rs 50 crore.
The sources said that directions had been issued for amending the guidelines for funds from NABARD under the MLA priority schemes so that other legislators, too, could propose aerial ropeway projects under their priority schemes. A proposal for aerial ropeways was gathering dust in files. These were to be set up especially in rural areas where these would be used as a mode of transportation and not as a tourist attraction.