Parvatmala Scheme 2022

Parvatmala, that is, the National Ropeways Development Programme was announced in the Union Budget for 2022-23.  It focuses on improving connectivity in hilly areas. The scheme has been launched for areas like Manipur, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir and other North Eastern states.

 Since the “Parvatmala” – National Ropeways Development Programme has been in news recently, it is important for the current affairs section of various competitive exams and particularly for the Mains GS-III (Infrastructure) and Essay part of the IAS exam.

What is Parvatmala?

The Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced the Parvatmala scheme in the recent Union Budget. Important points related to the National Ropeways Development Programme as announced in the Budget are given below:

• The scheme will be implemented through the PPP mode.
• In 2022-23, contracts for 8 ropeway projects will be given. These ropeway projects will cover a length of 60 km.

Aim of the Parvatmala- National Ropeways Development Programme

The Parvatmala scheme aims to fulfil the following:

• Enhance connectivity in hilly regions
• Enable convenient and safe mobility for tourists and commuters in difficult hilly terrains.
• Promote tourism

The ropeways system may also be provided in congested urban areas, where conventional mass transit systems are unviable.

Which Ministry will implement the Parvatmala Scheme?

The National Ropeways Development Programme will be implemented by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MORTH).

Role of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MORTH)

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways so far used to primarily develop Highways and regulate the road transport sector in India. However, with the amendment of the Government of India (Allocation of Business) Rules 1961 in February 2021, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways was given the authority to take care of the development of Ropeways and Alternate Mobility Solutions. Now the Ministry has the power to develop relevant technology, construct, research and formulate policies with regard to ropeway and alternative mobility solutions. MORTH will also draw up a financial, institutional and regulatory framework for the technology.

Importance of  Ropeway Infrastructure

1. Economical mode of transportation: The per km cost for ropeways is more when compared to roadways. However, given that ropeways are constructed in a straight line over a hilly area, it reduces the costs related to land acquisition. Therefore, the cost of ropeway projects may happen to be lower or economical than roadways.
2. Faster mode of transportation: Ropeways is an aerial mode of transportation and may prove to be faster than roadway projects given that ropeways are constructed in a straight line, over hilly regions.
3. Environmentally friendly and ecologically sustainable alternative: Dust emissions are lower and the material containers can be designed in such a way so as to avoid  any damage to the environment.
4. Last mile connectivity: Ropeway projects that use 3S (a kind of cable car system) or equivalent technologies can transport 6000-8000 passengers per hour. This will help people in travelling frequently, easily and safely, given that rail and air connectivity is limited in hilly areas. Therefore, this will improve the efficiency of the transport network in hilly regions.

Benefits of Parvatmala- National Ropeways Development Programme

1. Ideal for difficult and sensitive terrain: The ropeway system can easily cross over rivers, ravines and other difficult terrains. Therefore, its long rope spans are an added advantage along with low space requirements on the ground,and no/less barriers for humans or animals. The ropeway system will improve the mobility of people, especially farmers and other traders/sellers living in hilly regions.
2. Economy: Ropeways have multiple cars propelled by a single power-plant and drive mechanism. Such technology reduces both construction and maintenance costs. The use of a single operator for an entire ropeway saves labour cost. On level ground, the cost of ropeways is competitive with narrow-gauge railroads; in the mountains the ropeway is far superior.
3. Flexible: A ropeway helps in  the simultaneous transport of different types of material through its network.
4. Ability to handle large slopes: Ropeways and cableways can help in handling large slopes and large differences in elevation. Where a road or railroad needs switchbacks or tunnels, a ropeway travels straight up and down the fall line. Eg: The old cliff railways in England and ski resort ropeways in the mountains make use of this feature.
5. Low footprint: Given that only narrow-based vertical supports are required at intervals, it leaves the rest of the ground free, making it possible for ropeways to be constructed in built-up areas and in places where there is intense competition for land use.

MoU with Uttarakhand

• The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways started a study which was carried out by M/s Mckinsey & Co. for Ropeway development in the country.
• The study concluded that the Ministry may take up the National Ropeway Development Programme on similar lines with that of the  “Bharatmala” programme.
• The Ministry signed an MoU with the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board (UTDB), Government of Uttarakhand, for development of Ropeways in the State. Currently, 7  projects have been identified in Uttarakhand. Preparation of a detailed project report (DPR) for Kedarnath and Hemkund Sahib Ropeway is in progress. Other States like Himachal Pradesh, Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Maharashtra, Jammu and Kashmir have sent their proposals for development of Ropeways.