Parvatmala Pariyojana

PRELIMS BITS – SCHEMES

Context:

Two ropeway projects in Uttarakhand have received approval under the Parvatmala Pariyojana initiative.

• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH). The project is being executed by National Highways Logistics Management Limited (NHLML), a special-purpose vehicle of NHAI.
• Launch Year: Announced in the Union Budget 2022-23 as the National Ropeways Development Program.
• Objective: To develop ropeway infrastructure and alternative mobility solutions to enhance connectivity, ease commuter travel, and boost tourism, particularly in hilly regions.
• Scope: Plans include over 250 ropeway projects covering more than 1,200 km in the next five years.
• Implementation Model: Public-Private Partnership (PPP) under the Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM).
• Funding Structure:
  • 60% contribution from the Government of India.
  • 40% investment from private sector participants.

Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM) – Overview

• Combination of EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) & BOT (Build, Operate, Transfer) models.
• Cost Sharing:
  • The government provides 40% of the project cost as construction support.
  • The remaining 60% is arranged by the private developer.
• Role of Private Players:
  • Responsible for constructing the infrastructure and later handing it over to the government.
  • The government manages toll collection.
• Annuity Payments: The private developer receives fixed annuity payments from the government over a set period, minimizing revenue risks.
• Bidding Process: The contract is awarded to the developer requesting the lowest annuity.
• Risk Allocation: The government bears the toll revenue risk, while the private entity is responsible for construction and maintenance.
• Implementation History: Introduced in 2016, with around 30 highway projects awarded under HAM by NHAI.

Major Ropeway Projects in India

• Longest Ropeways:
  • Auli Ropeway (4 km) – currently India’s longest.
  • Mussoorie-Dehradun Ropeway (5.5 km) – under construction, set to surpass Auli Ropeway.
• First Ropeway: Rajgir Ropeway (Bihar), built in the 1960s.
• First Urban Ropeway: Kashi Ropeway, the world’s third urban public transport ropeway.

Significance of Ropeways in India

• Geographical Feasibility: Given that 30% of India’s terrain is mountainous, ropeways offer an efficient transportation alternative.
• Improved Urban Transport: Their ability to travel in straight lines helps reduce travel time, making them suitable for congested cities where metro and road networks may be impractical.
• Minimal Land Acquisition: Unlike traditional transport systems, ropeways require limited ground infrastructure, reducing land-use conflicts.
• Cost-Effective Maintenance: A single power plant and operator can manage multiple cable cars, lowering operational expenses.
• Eco-Friendly: Ropeways generate minimal dust and have a low environmental footprint.
• Tourism Promotion: Enhanced access to religious and tourist sites.
• Economic Benefits: Facilitates local trade, improves employment opportunities, and supports regional economic development.