After languishing for seven years, the long-delayed Sangam Ropeway Project in Prayagraj is finally set to move forward. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has cleared the administrative and technical hurdles that had stalled the project, entrusting National Highways Logistics Management Limited with its construction. The ropeway will operate under a revenue-sharing public-private partnership model, aimed at ensuring both operational efficiency and financial viability.
The revised alignment places the main station between Lal Sadak and Kali Sadak, near the Parade Ground and adjacent to the Maha Kumbh Parade Police Station and the Prayagraj Mela Authority headquarters. This represents a shift from the earlier proposed location near Shankar Viman Mandapam and is intended to improve accessibility for pilgrims and local residents alike. The second station will be located near Triveni Pushp in Arail, allowing for more comprehensive coverage of the Sangam area.
The 2,200-metre-long ropeway will be supported by three pillars and feature fourteen trolleys, each capable of carrying up to eight passengers at a time. This setup will allow a maximum of 112 visitors to enjoy panoramic aerial views simultaneously, improving both convenience and sightseeing opportunities.
The project, estimated at Rs 210 crore, has been awarded to a Rajasthan-based firm as the implementing agency after detailed surveys and design evaluations. A physical model of the ropeway was recently showcased at the Prayagraj Mela Authority headquarters, providing officials with a tangible overview of the proposed infrastructure.
The Sangam Ropeway Project was first proposed seven years ago with the aim of easing the movement of pilgrims and reducing congestion in the city during major religious events such as the Kumbh Mela and Maha Kumbh.
The plan was revisited ahead of the Kumbh 2019 and Maha Kumbh 2025 events, but repeated administrative and technical challenges prevented progress. Only after receiving final approvals between 2023 and 2024 has the project been able to move to the construction phase. Officials emphasized that the ropeway is expected to become a significant attraction, particularly during large-scale events, by facilitating the safe and efficient movement of thousands of visitors. The elevated route will allow travelers to view the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and mythical Saraswati rivers, which has long been a key draw for pilgrims.
The project also aligns with broader governmental objectives to modernize pilgrimage cities with sustainable infrastructure and to provide alternatives to traditional transport methods that often contribute to congestion and environmental strain. By adopting a public-private partnership model, the authorities aim to combine professional project management and financial accountability with long-term operational sustainability.
Local authorities have noted that once completed, the ropeway will significantly reduce pressure on ground transportation and enhance the overall experience of visiting the Sangam. The construction is expected to begin shortly, following the final clearance of environmental and safety assessments. The Sangam Ropeway Project represents a major step toward improving connectivity in Prayagraj while also boosting the city’s tourism potential, fulfilling a long-standing objective of city planners and religious authorities alike.
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