Munish Sood
Mandi
In a significant operational shift, the Mata Baglamukhi ropeway at Pandoh in Mandi district has been transferred from the state-run Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (RTDC) to a private operator, Ski Himalayas. The move, aimed at restructuring management and reducing financial burden on the state, has resulted in an increase in user charges, drawing concern from local residents and stakeholders.
Revised Operational Framework
Under the earlier system, RTDC oversaw operations while paying nearly ₹15 lakh per month to a private agency for maintenance. Under the new agreement, the private operator will bear the full cost of operations, including electricity, fuel, and maintenance.
In return, the company will pay RTDC an annual concession fee of ₹27.14 lakh, with a provision for a 10 percent annual increase. Officials stated that the revised model has been implemented in response to rising operational costs and the need for long-term sustainability.
Fare Increase and New User Charges
Following the transition, the passenger fare has been increased from ₹350 to ₹400. Concessional benefits that were earlier extended to nine local administrative units during the 2025 disaster period have now been restricted to only three such units. Residents from other areas will be required to pay the full fare.
Additional charges have also been introduced for carrying goods. Passengers will now pay ₹30 for luggage up to 30 kilograms, and ₹1 per kilogram for any additional weight. Transport of fuel-based items such as gas cylinders and diesel will be charged at ₹2 per litre.
Local Opposition and Demand for Relief
The decision has triggered strong opposition from local residents and community representatives. They argue that the Bakhali–Kuklah road remains partially damaged and continues to be disrupted during rainfall, making the ropeway a vital link for daily movement.
Residents have demanded that earlier concessional fares, including the heavily subsidized ₹50 ticket, should continue until critical infrastructure, particularly the proposed bridge and road connectivity to Kuklah, is fully restored.
Community leaders have also expressed concern that the fare hike during the peak pilgrimage and tourism season places an additional burden on both visitors and locals who depend on the ropeway for essential connectivity. They have called for a review of the decision in th
In a significant operational shift, the Mata Baglamukhi ropeway at Pandoh in Mandi district has been transferred from the state-run Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (RTDC) to a private operator, Ski Himalayas. The move, aimed at restructuring management and reducing financial burden on the state, has resulted in an increase in user charges, drawing concern from local residents and stakeholders.
Revised Operational Framework
Under the earlier system, RTDC oversaw operations while paying nearly ₹15 lakh per month to a private agency for maintenance. Under the new agreement, the private operator will bear the full cost of operations, including electricity, fuel, and maintenance.
In return, the company will pay RTDC an annual concession fee of ₹27.14 lakh, with a provision for a 10 percent annual increase. Officials stated that the revised model has been implemented in response to rising operational costs and the need for long-term sustainability.
Fare Increase and New User Charges
Following the transition, the passenger fare has been increased from ₹350 to ₹400. Concessional benefits that were earlier extended to nine local administrative units during the 2025 disaster period have now been restricted to only three such units. Residents from other areas will be required to pay the full fare.
Additional charges have also been introduced for carrying goods. Passengers will now pay ₹30 for luggage up to 30 kilograms, and ₹1 per kilogram for any additional weight. Transport of fuel-based items such as gas cylinders and diesel will be charged at ₹2 per litre.
Local Opposition and Demand for Relief
The decision has triggered strong opposition from local residents and community representatives. They argue that the Bakhali–Kuklah road remains partially damaged and continues to be disrupted during rainfall, making the ropeway a vital link for daily movement.
Residents have demanded that earlier concessional fares, including the heavily subsidized ₹50 ticket, should continue until critical infrastructure, particularly the proposed bridge and road connectivity to Kuklah, is fully restored.
Community leaders have also expressed concern that the fare hike during the peak pilgrimage and tourism season places an additional burden on both visitors and locals who depend on the ropeway for essential connectivity. They have called for a review of the decision in th
