Construction Progresses Rapidly; Ropeway Set to Ease Tourist Rush by End of 2026
The Doon-Mussoorie Ropeway project, designed to transform the travel experience between Dehradun and Mussoorie, is moving steadily towards completion. Out of the planned 26 towers, construction has already begun on around 20. Following the levelling of land at the upper terminal site in Gandhi Chowk, steel binding work has now commenced. Additionally, a dedicated access route is being developed from Gandhi Chowk to the ropeway terminal.
Meanwhile, at the lower terminal site in Purkul village, construction is progressing at a rapid pace. Three towers have been erected, and a three-storey parking facility is complete, with work on the fourth storey expected to start soon. According to the tourism department, the project is on track for completion by the end of 2026, after which operations are set to commence.
Tourist Rush Expected to Ease
Every year during the peak tourist season from May to July, more than 25,000 tourists travel daily from Dehradun to Mussoorie. This often leads to massive traffic congestion, with the town struggling to handle more visitors than its capacity allows. The Dehradun-Mussoorie road frequently becomes packed, and during the monsoon season, landslides occasionally block the route altogether.
In 2024, the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Council (UTDC) laid out a ₹300 crore plan for the ropeway project under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, partnering with Mussoorie Skyway Company. Construction was swiftly initiated to address these long-standing issues and enhance tourist facilities.
Travel Time Cut to 15 Minutes
The ropeway journey promises a thrilling experience, cutting travel time drastically. Instead of the usual 1.5-hour drive covering 33 kilometres by road, tourists will soar over scenic mountains and reach Mussoorie in just 15 minutes, covering a distance of only 5.5 kilometres by cable car. The ropeway is designed to carry 1,300 tourists in one direction at a time, offering a significant boost to transportation efficiency.
European Technology to Be Deployed
In an effort to ensure world-class quality, ropes and cabins for the ropeway are being sourced from France. Each cabin will accommodate up to 10 passengers, with automatic doors for enhanced safety and convenience. Initially, 55 cabins will be installed, later increasing to 71 to handle growing tourist numbers.
Advanced Safety and Operations
The ropeway will operate at a maximum speed of six meters per second. In case of adverse weather conditions, a rescue mode will automatically adjust the speed to ensure passenger safety. The entire ropeway system will be managed through an online control mechanism. A specialized team from France will train the operational staff, ensuring international standards in management and safety protocols.
Once completed, the Doon-Mussoorie Ropeway is expected to not only significantly reduce road traffic and travel time but also offer tourists an unforgettable panoramic journey through the Himalayan foothills.
