JAMMU: Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) J&K Executive Member Raman Suri today hailed the proposed ropeway from Baltal to Shri Amarnath Cave and said that it will significantly enhance the access to the sacred shrine of Shri Amarnath ji. Once completed, this project will not only facilitate easier obeisances at the shrine but also boost the number of pilgrims visiting this holy site. The construction of the ropeway, an initiative by the Union Government, will reduce the arduous 10-12 hours journey to merely 40 minutes, making it a landmark development for pilgrims across India.
Raman Suri highlighted that this project is a part of the Parvat Mala project, which includes the construction of 18 ropeways across the country. The distance from Baltal to Shri Amarnath Cave shrine is 14 kilometres, and this 9-kilometre ropeway will drastically reduce the travel time, allowing more pilgrims to visit the cave shrine. The Union government has approved 18 ropeway projects, including the Baltal to Shri Amarnath Cave, Makhdoom Sahib Hari Parvat, Shankaracharya Temple, and Sonamarg â Thajiwas, among others.
In addition to these, the government plans to construct ropeway from Nashri Tunnel to Sanasar as well, which will increase tourism potential of the area. Consultations are going on, and the National Highways Authority of India, in collaboration with the National Highways Logistics Management Limited, is working diligently on pre-feasibility reports. These projects aim to improve connectivity to numerous tourist and religious sites, enhancing tourism and accessibility in the region, Suri noted.
Raman Suri emphasized that the UT administration too is working on simplifying the processes of getting necessary permissions from the Forest Department to ensure smooth construction of these ropeways. Once completed, these ropeways will facilitate annual pilgrimages and enable tourists to visit various sites conveniently. This infrastructure will particularly benefit the elderly and infirm, allowing them to fulfill their dreams of visiting sacred sites, that are currently inaccessible to them due to age-related issues.
Raman Suri also lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways for their commitment to link all districts and major cities through improved networks. These projects, once completed, will boost the socio-economic conditions of the areas, providing safe and better highways for travel. The anticipated increase in tourist influx will significantly contribute to the UT economy, Suri concluded.
