In a major move to implement sustainable transportation solutions in the state's mountainous areas, SYSTRA India has signed a contract with UKMRCL (Uttarakhand Metro Rail Urban Infrastructure and Building Construction Corporation) as their technical consultant for creating a Feasibility Report to construct an integrated ropeway system throughout Nainital District in Uttarakhand.
This project is being launched as part of the state's plan to provide sustainable and appropriate transport solutions in its mountainous areas due to the growth of tourism, pilgrimage and urbanisation putting increasing pressures on the region's existing roads. SYSTRA India will prepare a report on the use of ropeways as a low-impact and effective transport alternative that supports the state's goal of developing an environmentally-friendly approach to development.
Mobility Challenges in the Kumaon Hill
The Kumaon Himalayan district of Nainital (an area often called the “Lake District of India”) is located at an altitude of about 2000 m (6000 feet) and is well known for its steep hillsides that feature narrow, winding roads and environmentally sensitive landscapes. Problems with traffic jams from seasonal visitors/tourists (who also create a lot of pollution) as well as issues created by large gatherings at temples/religious sites have created an unsafe environment.
This planned network of ropeways will lessen the disadvantages of geography with an alternative transport method providing a consistent delivery method during extreme weather conditions. As part of this planned network, direct overhead links will exist between many of the most popular tourist locations in our area, which include Rani Bagh, Bhimtal, Bhowali, Nainital, and Kainchi Dham. In addition to significantly improving travel times due to the direct overhead routes versus the indirect, curved routes on existing city streets, the system will eventually serve both visitors and local residents/commuters/pilgrims.
Proposed 21-km Ropeway Network
The construction of a ropeway system is intended to serve as the foundation for the region's tourist facility development. Ropeways equip tourists with a great variety of different experiences through which they can have an increased enjoyment of their trips to the area. Moreover, since ropeways shorten the travel times, they lead to longer trip durations and also make tourists come back at the shoulder months when the region has a low number of visitors.
Additionally, the implementation of eco-Friendly (or “green”) ropeway systems would be an attractive option for both visitors and the local population. Sustainable environmental factors need to be an integral part of the design development process of the project. The anticipated reduction in motor vehicle traffic along narrow, steep roads will help reduce fuel usage, improve air quality, and lower the emissions of CO2.
Reducing the number of vehicles operating in the Himalayas is critical to this sensitive environment and the possibility of catastrophWhat's more, the setting, up of environmentally friendly (or "green") ropeway systems could be a great choice in both the eyes of the visitors and the local folks. Sustainable environmental factors should be the core of the design development process of the project. The expected decrease in motor vehicle traffic on the narrow, steep roads will contribute to the reduction of fuel consumption, the improvement of air quality, and the lowering of the CO2 emissions.
The minimization of vehicles operating in the Himalayas is of utmost importance for the sensitive environment there and also for the risk of catastrophic and irreversible ecological damage resulting from human activities.ic and permanent ecological damage due to human activity.
Accessibility and Improved Connectivity to Pilgrimage Sites
The new ropeway system will be able to open access in a very positive way to the elderly, the handicapped, families with children, and people with heavy luggage. It makes mountain travel safe and simple for anyone.
Kainchi Dham is frequented by many people because that is where the Neem Karoli Baba Ashram is. The newly installed ropeway in this area will make the way to Kainchi Dham easier for pilgrims without the necessity of walking long distances or waiting for long periods of time to enter the temple areas related to Neem Karoli Baba; hence it will allow large numbers of pilgrims to visit and make use of the pilgrimage sites
Feasibility Study
The project's feasibility study will thoroughly evaluate all the ramifications of the environmental aspects in the development of the ropeway network. The study will focus not only on the protection of trees and wooded lands but also on the creation and maintenance of animal migration corridors and the protection of environmentally clean areas. And beyond that, the project will adopt the global best standards to guarantee that the new network will be compatible with the ecological concerns of the Himalaya region.
SYSTRA India is responsible for the total preparation of the feasibility report. It assists in gathering basic market data and other relevant secondary information as well as conducting primary surveys and research; this includes topographical mapping, geological mapping, ridership analysis, traffic studies and public outreach efforts. SYSTRA India will assess potential technologies available for use in a ropeway system and make recommendations as to which type of ropeway will be best for the proposed alignment and services provided; establish cost estimates and timelines for each phase of implementation.
Ridership demand forecasting and financial feasibility assessments are key components of the feasibility report; these components provide critical information to stakeholders regarding the financial viability of proposed projects.
A Strategic Step to Sustainable Hill Infrastructure
Sandeep Fuller, CEO (Project Services), of SYSTRA India, spoke to the importance of using Ropeway systems to provide a modern, or safe, and sustainable means of mobility to the Hill Region. He reiterated SYSTRA India’s commitment to support the development of Uttarakhand while simultaneously protecting the natural and cultural heritage of the State.
The partnership between SYSTRA India and UKMRCL will serve as an example of a progressive approach to planning Urban and Regional Mobility using a combination of Agro-based Transport with the Urban Transport Systems offered by SYSTRA India. When operational, the proposed Ropeway Network may serve as a model for the development of responsible tourism Infrastructure within the Himalayan States of India, hence setting new standards for the development of tourist facilities based on sustainability and enhancing visitor experience.
.png)