Maharashtra proposes eight ropeways in Pune district

The Maharashtra government has announced plans for 45 new ropeway projects across the state. These projects aim to improve travel and promote tourism, especially in hilly and religious areas. Out of the total, 16 ropeways will be built by the state government, while 29 will be developed by the central government’s National Highways Logistics Management Limited (NHLML). In Pune and Satara districts, eight ropeways will be constructed in each area. The Pune ropeways will connect several popular sites, including Sinhagad Fort, Rajgad Fort, and Bhimashankar Jyotirling. An agreement to support these projects was signed on February 3, 2024, between the NHLML and the Maharashtra government. On February 18, 2025, the state cabinet officially approved the plan for 45 ropeways. An order was issued on March 19, indicating that all projects have been given 'in-principle' approval, but any changes will require prior state consent. There are two proposed options for implementing these projects under the Parvatmala (Ropeway) scheme. One option involves leasing land to NHLML for 30 years. The other allows the state to invest in financially viable projects, sharing in the revenue generated. The Pune district will see the development of three specific ropeways by the Public Works Department (PWD). Bappa Bahir, a chief engineer at PWD, stated that detailed instructions on project financing and planning are awaited. The Sinhagad Fort ropeway has a long history, as it was initially proposed in 2015 but faced delays. The state has now reassigned this project to the PWD, which is expected to streamline the development process. The ropeways are intended to enhance the visitor experience while maintaining ecological balance.