Mandi (Munish Sood)
The ropeway from Kainchi Mor to Mata Baglamukhi Temple in Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh has been opened to the public, but the Ropeways and Rapid Transport System Development Corporation HP Ltd (RTDC) seems to have left associated facilities entirely to fate.
The project, located along the Chandigarh-Manali National Highway, connects Pandoh with the temple in Bakhli. This ropeway, with a total length of 800 metres and constructed at a cost of Rs 53.89 crore, promises a more efficient and scenic alternative transport mode compared to the 14-km road journey for pilgrims and tourists.
However, the lack of proper infrastructure and maintenance has led to growing discontent among devotees and local residents.
As soon as devotees reach the temple via the ropeway, they are met with an incomplete retaining wall beneath the newly built ramp. Hundreds of devotees use this path daily, raising concerns about safety. If an accident were to occur, who would be held responsible, ask residents.
The RTDC has built toilets at the lowest level near Kainchi Mor, making access difficult for elderly visitors. Furthermore, there are no dedicated toilets near the temple, forcing devotees to use the temple’s existing washrooms, which the RTDC has failed to maintain.
The lack of sanitation leaves visitors no choice but to use filthy facilities. Additionally, during the ropeway’s construction, the septic tank pipe of the temple’s washrooms was broken, and it remains improperly connected, leading to frequent leakage and a persistent foul smell.
The approach road to the temple has been narrowed due to the construction of stairs, preventing vehicles from reaching the premises. Previously, vehicles could transport goods and materials directly to the temple, but the restricted width has made this impossible. Despite repeated complaints, the RTDC has neither widened the road nor reinforced it with a retaining wall.
Another major concern is the lack of proper parking facilities near Kainchi Mor, forcing visitors to park their vehicles haphazardly along the highway, creating traffic hazards.
Tek Chand, president of the Baglamukhi Temple Committee, stated that repeated complaints to the RTDC had gone unheard. Frustrated by the inaction, local residents and committee members are growing increasingly agitated. They have warned RTDC that if the mismanagement is not addressed soon, the situation could escalate with serious consequences.
Questioned about these issues, RTDC DGM Manish Sahni downplayed the risks, claiming that the approach road posed no danger. He also refused to take responsibility for toilet maintenance, insisting it was the temple committee’s duty.
According to Sahni, the broken pipeline had been repaired and the road remained at its original width without encroachment. He also stated that parking spaces were being used as per the original design.
