A state-of-the-art ropeway connecting the Chandigarh-Manali National Highway to the famous Baglamukhi temple near Pandoh in Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh was inaugurated on Tuesday (December 3, 2024) by Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu.
The ₹53.89 crore project, which spans 800 metres across the Beas river, was completed in 32 months. The ceremony also saw the presence of Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri and former minister Kaul Singh Thakur.
First-of-its-kind NABARD-funded project
This ropeway, extending from Kainchi Mod in Pandoh to Baglamukhi Temple in Bakhli, is the first in the country funded by NABARD. It features a trolley with a seating capacity of 32 persons. After the inauguration, the Chief Minister visited the Baglamukhi Temple for blessings and addressed a public gathering at nearby Bakhli Nature Park.
The Chief Minister said with a total length of 800 metres, the project was a marvel of modern engineering. Built as per European CEN standards, the ropeway features a line speed of 6 metres per second (21.6 km/hr) and can carry up to 600 passengers per hour. He said that it bypasses 14 km of road travel and offers more efficient and scenic alternative for devotees and tourists.
Only ropeway operating over a water body
He said that the Mata Baglamukhi ropeway was the only one in the state that operates over a water body, the Pandoh Dam reservoir. The breathtaking journey in gondolas suspended above the serene waters provides passengers with majestic views of the surrounding hills and the tranquil reservoir below. He said, “This unique feature adds to the excitement of the ride, making it a standout attraction.”
The ropeway was expected to significantly increase the footfall at the Mata Baglamukhi Temple, which was one of the most sacred pilgrims in the state. He said the ropeway enhances access to the nature park developed by the Forest Department on the opposite side of the highway. This dual attraction was anticipated to draw tourists particularly those visiting popular destinations like Kullu-Manali, Kasol and Lahaul-Spiti.
Affordable fares for locals and tourists
The ropeway aims to provide convenience to local residents who face challenges due to poor road connectivity, particularly during monsoons when roads often get washed away.
Locals can use the ropeway at a nominal fare of ₹30 while the tourists will be charged ₹250 for a round trip. Children under 10 years of age will receive a 50 per cent discount and those under 5 years of age can travel for free.
Tourism, employment expected to get boost
The project is expected to enhance tourism in the area while creating direct and indirect employment opportunities for locals. The ropeway provides an easy connection for tourists travelling from the National Highway to the Baglamukhi Temple and the surrounding Nature Park, offering a tranquil escape amidst natural beauty.
The foundation stone for the project was laid by former Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur, and its completion marks a significant milestone in the state’s efforts to improve infrastructure and boost tourism.
