A new ropeway project stretching approximately 4.5 kilometers between Joshimath and Auli is on the horizon, with the Bridge, Ropeway, Tunnel and Other Infrastructure Development Corporation of India Limited (BRIDCUL) submitting its Detailed Project Report (DPR) to the Uttarakhand government. The initiative, proposed to be executed in two phases, is aimed at revitalizing tourism in the popular winter destination of Auli.
The first phase of the ropeway will begin near Tower No. 3 of the existing ropeway in Joshimath and extend up to Auli, covering a distance of 2.76 km. This segment will include 11 towers equipped with modern monocable systems and gondolas instead of traditional large cable cars. Each gondola will have a seating capacity of 6 to 7 persons, and a total of 21 gondolas are proposed for this phase.
The second phase will connect Auli to Gorson over a 1.85 km stretch, supported by 7 towers and 9 gondolas. Combined, the two phases of the project will enable the ropeway to carry up to 500 passengers per hour, significantly improving accessibility and enhancing the travel experience for tourists.
The necessity for a new ropeway arose after the land subsidence incident in Joshimath in January 2023, which had affected the old ropeway infrastructure. Cracks had developed near Towers 1 and 2, leading to the suspension of its operations. The original ropeway, constructed in 1984-85, had served tourists for nearly 39 years and was a major attraction until it ceased functioning.
BRIDCUL Managing Director N.P. Singh confirmed that the DPR has been submitted and the tender process will commence following government approval. The project marks a major step towards re-establishing safe and efficient transport links in the region, while also promoting sustainable tourism.
