The construction of the Dehradun-Mussoorie ropeway is progressing steadily, with the foundation work of 24 out of 26 towers now complete. The next stage involves the installation of nuts, bolts, and poles on these towers.
Work on the upper terminal station at Gandhi Park in Mussoorie is moving swiftly, while the lower terminal station at Purkul village in Dehradun has reached nearly 90% completion. Final finishing touches at the lower terminal are expected to begin soon. Meanwhile, construction on the fourth floor of the 10-storey parking facility in Purkul is underway.
The ₹300 crore ropeway project, being developed under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model by Mussoorie Skycar Company, was initiated by the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board (UTDB) in early 2024 to simplify and enhance the tourism experience in Mussoorie.
The lower terminal at Purkul will include a state-of-the-art multi-level parking facility accommodating over 2,000 vehicles, along with amenities such as a cafeteria and public restrooms for the convenience of tourists. However, the recent heavy rains have impacted progress, with construction materials failing to hold in wet conditions and labor facing difficulties. Work is expected to resume at full pace once the weather improves.
Two towers, numbered 22 and 23, are pending due to clearance issues with the Forest Department as trees obstruct the construction zone. The tourism department has applied for necessary permissions and plans to begin foundation work for these towers as soon as approval is granted.
The ropeway will feature 55 gondola cabins imported from France, each capable of seating 10 passengers. With a top speed of 6 meters per second, the ropeway will transport visitors from Dehradun to Mussoorie in just 15 minutes, offering a scenic and thrilling journey.
Besides enhancing the tourist experience, the ropeway is expected to boost revenue for the tourism department and generate local employment opportunities in Purkul village. The entire project is targeted for completion by the end of 2026.
“The ropeway construction is progressing at a rapid pace, with most tower foundations complete. Only two towers are pending due to forest clearance, which we expect soon. The project will be completed by the end of 2026,” said Deepak Khanduri, Joint Director (Infrastructure), UTDB.