PM Modi’s dream ropeway project faces fierce opposition in Himachal, even BJP MP Kangana Ranaut against it

TNR News Network
Kullu:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s much-touted ropeway project to the revered Bijli Mahadev temple in Himachal Pradesh has triggered a political and public storm, with massive protests erupting in Kullu district.

Even BJP’s own MP from Mandi, Kangana Ranaut, has spoken out against the initiative, lending weight to the growing discontent.
Hundreds of locals poured onto the streets of Dhalpur, raising slogans and demanding an immediate halt to the ropeway construction. The protest march, which began from Ramshila, culminated at the Dhalpur ground.

At the heart of the resistance is deep-seated religious sentiment. The temple, considered the spiritual heart of the valley, has reportedly been closed to general devotees for the first time in history, an act attributed to “devta orders” that are central to the region’s traditional belief system. Locals say the deity has rejected the idea of a ropeway, prompting widespread concern among the devout.

Kangana Ranaut, during a recent public event, echoed these sentiments, asserting that if the local deity’s will is against the project, then modern development must take a backseat. “Devta ka aadesh vikas se bada hai,” she had said, firmly opposing the ropeway despite her party’s central leadership backing it.

BJP leader who hosted PM Modi too against project

Several prominent BJP leaders, including former APMC chairman Ram Singh, once a host to PM Modi during his earlier visits to Bijli Mahadev, have also come out against the plan. Others like former district BJP chief Arvind Chandel and leader Narottam Thakur have joined the protest chorus.

Former minister and Kullu MP Maheshwar Singh, although initially opposing the ropeway, had attended its foundation ceremony, but later distanced himself through a public clarification.

The Bijli Mahadev Bachao Sangharsh Samiti, spearheading the agitation, alleged that the project threatens both ecological balance and religious sanctity. “This is not just about a ropeway, but about preserving our faith and forests,” said committee head Suresh Negi, referring to the large-scale felling of deodar trees in the Kharahal valley, the proposed alignment site. Locals fear this could lead to landslides and irreversible environmental damage.

Supporters argue project will boost tourism

The ropeway, spanning 2.3 km from Mohal Nature Park, is being constructed by National Highway Logistics Management Limited (NHLML) under the Centre’s Parvat Mala scheme. Once completed by 2026, it promises to slash the three-hour climb to just seven minutes, transporting up to 36,000 visitors daily in 10-seater cable cars. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari had virtually laid its foundation stone in March 2024 and sanctioned Rs 272 crore for its execution.

Supporters of the ropeway argue it will give a boost to tourism and ease access for pilgrims. Congress MLA Sunder Singh Thakur has spoken in its favour. However, villagers, especially from Kharahal valley, remain resolute. A local elder, Shivnath, has even threatened self-immolation if the project proceeds.
At the core of this conflict lies a fundamental question: Should development override cultural and ecological sensitivities, especially when a community’s faith and environment are at stake?