Days after forest department flagged the Pahalgam to Baisaran gandola project, the central government has announced plans to establish another ropeway connectivity at Pahalgam along with 18 major religious and tourist destinations across India.
This ropeway aims at connecting Baltal to the Amarnath shrine in Jammu Kashmir.
According to the Kashmir News Observer (KNO), the government is seeking proposals from consultants to prepare detailed project reports (DPRs) for these developments.
The proposed 11.6-kilometre ropeway will link Baltal with the Amarnath shrine, aiming to improve accessibility and provide a convenient travel option for visitors.
Currently, pilgrims undertake a lengthy trek from Baltal or Pahalgam or rely on helicopter rides, which may not always be available.
The new ropeway will reduce travel time and offer an alternative route, allowing visitors to enjoy views of the surrounding landscape.
This project is expected to ease the journey for a wider range of pilgrims, including children, the elderly, and those with mobility issues, making the annual Amarnath Yatra more accessible to thousands of devotees.
In 2024, the Amarnath Yatra commenced on June 29 and concluded on August 19, spanning 52 days. The pilgrimage attracted over 350,000 registered pilgrims, marking a significant increase from the previous year.
Helicopter services were available for those preferring a quicker journey, providing access to the Panjtarni base camp, located about 6 kilometres from the cave.
Pertinently, the proposed Pahalgam gondola project, which seeks to connect Pahalgam town with the Baisaran meadow, has faced opposition from forest officials and environmentalists.
Concerns have been raised about the project’s impact on the region’s fragile ecosystem, including deforestation, habitat loss, and increased human activity in previously undisturbed areas.
Officials warned that the Gandola project to Baisaran could disrupt local biodiversity and strain natural resources.