Content:
- Parvatmala: National Ropeways Development Programme
- PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana Crosses Milestone of 10 Lakh Installations
Parvatmala: National Ropeways Development Programme
Introduction
- The Parvatmala Pariyojana is a National Ropeways Development Programme launched to enhance last-mile connectivity in hilly and remote regions.
- Announced in Budget 2022, the initiative focuses on Public-Private Partnership (PPP) mode under the National Highway Logistics Management Limited (NHLML).
- Aim: Develop over 250 ropeway projects covering 1,200 km within five years.
Relevance : GS 3(Infrastructure )
Need for Ropeway Infrastructure
- Geographical Challenges: Rail and air transport networks are limited, while road construction in hilly terrains faces engineering difficulties.
- Last-Mile Connectivity: Ropeways offer direct access to remote areas, reducing travel time.
- Tourism & Pilgrimage Support: Provides efficient and safe connectivity to religious and tourist sites.
- Border Area Strengthening: Supports vibrant border villages, enhancing national security.
Features of Parvatmala Pariyojana
- Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Model
- Sustainable & Eco-friendly Transport
- 50% Indigenous Components (Aligned with ‘Make in India’ initiative)
- Minimal Land Acquisition Requirement
- Low Carbon Footprint & Energy Efficiency
Major Ropeway Projects Under Parvatmala
A. Approved Projects in Uttarakhand
Govindghat – Hemkund Sahib Ji Ropeway
- Length: 12.4 km
- Cost: ₹2,730.13 crore
- Technology: Monocable & Tricable Detachable Gondola
- Passenger Capacity: 1,100 per hour per direction
- Impact:
- Replaces 21-km trek with a modern transport system.
- Enhances access to Hemkund Sahib Ji and Valley of Flowers (UNESCO Heritage Site).
- Boosts local economy via tourism, employment, and business growth.
Sonprayag – Kedarnath Ropeway
- Length: 12.9 km
- Cost: ₹4,081.28 crore
- Technology: Tri-cable Detachable Gondola (3S)
- Passenger Capacity: 1,800 per hour per direction
- Impact:
- Reduces travel time from 8-9 hours to 36 minutes.
- Provides all-weather, safe connectivity for 20 lakh annual pilgrims.
- Strengthens tourism industry & local economy.
B. Other Key Ropeway Projects
Urban Ropeways
- Varanasi Urban Ropeway: India’s first urban ropeway to ease congestion.
- Length: 3.85 km, Capacity: 96,000 passengers/day.
Upcoming & Awarded Ropeways
- Gaurikund – Kedarnath Ropeway (9.7 km) (Altitude: 3,584m)
- Bijli Mahadev Ropeway (Himachal Pradesh)
- Mahakaleshwar Temple Ropeway (Madhya Pradesh)
- Shankaracharya Temple Ropeway (J&K)
- Kamakhya Temple Ropeway (Assam)
Benefits of Ropeways
A. Economic Advantages
- Lower Construction & Maintenance Costs: Single power plant & operator reduce operational expenses.
- Employment Generation: Creates jobs in construction, operation & maintenance.
- Boost to Local Businesses: Encourages tourism, hospitality & transport sectors.
B. Environmental & Technical Benefits
- Minimal Land Requirement: Uses narrow vertical supports, reducing land use conflicts.
- Eco-Friendly: Low emissions compared to roads & railways.
- Efficient in Steep Terrains: Handles large slopes & elevation differences without tunnels or switchbacks.
C. Enhancing Connectivity & Mobility
- Ideal for Difficult Terrains: Serves mountainous, remote & ecologically sensitive areas.
- Faster Travel: Ropeways bypass traffic & obstacles, providing direct connectivity.
- Improved Safety: Less prone to landslides, floods, and other natural calamities.
Challenges & Way Forward
Challenges:
- High Initial Investment: Significant capital required for advanced technology & infrastructure.
- Maintenance & Safety: Regular inspection & upkeep needed to ensure safety.
- Integration with Other Transport Modes: Needs seamless connectivity with roads & railways.
Way Forward:
- Policy Support & Incentives: Government should provide financial aid & tax benefits.
- Skill Development: Train technicians & operators for efficient ropeway management.
- Smart Integration: Link ropeways with bus, rail & air networks for multimodal transport efficiency.
PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana Crosses Milestone of 10 Lakh Installations
Overview of the Scheme
- World’s largest domestic rooftop solar initiative, launched on 13th February 2024.
- Aims to provide free electricity to 1 crore residential households via rooftop solar systems by 2026-27.
- Environmental impact: Reduces carbon emissions, equivalent to planting 100 trees per household.
- Energy transition: Reduces dependence on conventional power sources, enabling citizens to become energy producers.
Relevance : GS 2(Schemes) , GS 3(Infrastructure, Energy Sector)
Key Milestones Achieved
- Total installations (as of 10th March 2025): 10.09 lakh households.
- Applications received: 47.3 lakh.
- Subsidy disbursed: ₹4,770 crore to 6.13 lakh beneficiaries.
- Total rooftop solar capacity installed: Over 3 GW.
- Target: Additional 27 GW by March 2027.
Financial Support & Subsidy Mechanism
- Collateral-free loans up to ₹2 lakh at 6.75% interest via 12 Public Sector Banks (PSBs).
- Subsidy structure:
- Up to ₹78,000 for 3 KW rooftop solar systems.
- A 3 KW system requires an investment of ₹15,000 and can generate returns of ₹15 lakh over 25 years.
- Automated loan & subsidy process
- Loan applications received: 3.10 lakh.
- Loans sanctioned: 1.58 lakh.
- Loans disbursed: 1.28 lakh.
- Subsidy credited within 15 days to beneficiaries’ bank accounts.
State-Wise Progress & Achievements
- Chandigarh & Daman & Diu: Achieved 100% government building rooftop solar targets.
- Top-performing states:
- Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu – Significant contribution to overall installation numbers.
- Government monitoring: Ensuring smooth and timely execution across states.
Expansion to Public Infrastructure
- Government buildings being equipped with solar rooftop systems.
- Benefits:
- Reduces operational energy costs.
- Sets a model for commercial & industrial sectors to follow.
Boosting Domestic Manufacturing & Make in India
- Mandates use of Indian-made solar modules & cells.
- Local manufacturing push for:
- Solar inverters.
- Balance of Plant (BoP) components.
- Strengthens India’s renewable energy ecosystem.
Future Outlook & Challenges
- Scaling up from 10.09 lakh to 1 crore households.
- Ensuring last-mile connectivity for installations & financing.
- Public awareness & adoption to accelerate participation.
- Expanding financial support mechanisms for wider accessibility.
Conclusion
PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana is a game-changer in India’s energy transition, empowering households, boosting domestic solar manufacturing, and promoting environmental sustainability. With rapid adoption, government support, and strong financial backing, the scheme is set to play a pivotal role in India’s clean energy future.
