After nearly ten years of anticipation, the Maharashtra state government is expected to grant approval to five ropeway proposals, primarily from entrepreneurs in Pune and Satara. These projects, covering Sinhagad, Raigad (Phase-2), Jejuri, Pratapgad, and Matheran, fall under the purview of the Bombay Aerial Ropeways Act, 1955, as per a senior official from the public works department (PWD).
Private entities undertaking these projects are mandated to adhere to the regulations outlined in the act, ensuring compliance before receiving clearance to operate their ropeway systems for a span of 21 years. Following this initial period, the state government will reassess their performance.
The Sinhagad ropeway project, the state’s second, has been under discussion for an extended period. Once operational, the ropeway to the fort is poised to significantly reduce travel time to the historical site, providing a swift journey of 5-7 minutes. The proposed 1,800m ropeway will initiate from Atkarwadi village, with the project gaining initial approvals from the forests department and the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority back in 2018 during Devendra Fadnavis’ tenure as the chief minister.
As these ropeway initiatives move closer to realization, they hold the promise of not only enhancing connectivity but also contributing to the tourism and overall development of the regions they serve.
