The Central government in collaboration with the National Highway Logistics Management Limited (NHLML) has embarked on an ambitious nationwide project to build ropeway networks across some of the most challenging and rugged terrains in India. Between March and June 2025, tenders were issued for the selection of consultants to prepare Detailed Project Reports for the initiative, spanning states such as Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Kerala, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Assam and Jammu and Kashmir. The submission deadline for bids is set between November and December 2025 with successful consultants given a six-month window to complete their DPR studies. This far-reaching project is part of a broader transformation aimed at improving mobility, boosting tourism, and unlocking economic potential in the country’s most remote and difficult-to-reach regions.

Jammu and Kashmir has become a pivotal part of this nationwide ropeway development initiative. In 2023, the J&K Government gave the green light to the Parvatamala Initiative, aimed at expanding aerial ropeways across the region in collaboration with NHLML and in accordance with the J&K Aerial Ropeways Act, 2002. Initially, eighteen ropeway corridors were put forward for the Request for Proposal (RFP) process. Category A included ten major projects, such as the Darshan Deopdi to Shivkhori in Reasi, Makhdoom Sahib to Hari Parbat in Srinagar, Baltal to Amarnath Cave in Anantnag, Bhaderwah to Seojdhar, Shakermarg to Seven Lakes in Rajouri, Nashri Tunnel to Sanasar in Ramban, the Shankaracharya ropeway in Srinagar, Sonamarg to Thajiwas Glacier in Ganderbal, Wullar to Baba Shukur ud din in Baramulla, and Pahalgam to Aru Valley/Baisaran in Anantnag. Category B consisted of eight additional alignments, such as Sutharan to Tosemaidan in Budgam, Karcihall to Wasamarg in Ramban, Sinthan Top to Gali Maidan in Kishtwar, Loren Poonch to Tosemaidan, Khadinyar to Bosiian in Baramulla, Dubjan........

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