The Uttarakhand Government has proposed the Rishikesh–Kunjapuri Ropeway Project to improve connectivity between Tapovan in Rishikesh and Kunjapuri Temple near Narendranagar in Tehri Garhwal. The project is expected to make travel to the hilltop temple easier for pilgrims and tourists while supporting sustainable tourism in the region.
The proposed ropeway will connect Tapovan in Rishikesh with Kunjapuri Temple, one of the Siddh Peeths of Uttarakhand. Announced in 2025, the project is intended to provide faster and more convenient access to the temple while reducing dependence on the existing hill road.
The proposed ropeway will provide direct access from Tapovan to Kunjapuri Temple, reducing the need to travel by the existing road route. Located at an elevation of about 1,676 metres, Kunjapuri Temple attracts pilgrims and visitors throughout the year. Once completed, the ropeway is expected to improve accessibility, shorten travel time and provide a convenient option for elderly visitors and families.
The project is planned under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model using the Design-Build-Finance-Operate-Transfer (DBFOT) framework. Bartholet Maschinenbau AG has been assigned to prepare the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the proposed ropeway.
Bartholet Maschinenbau AG, a Swiss ropeway engineering company, has been selected to prepare the Detailed Project Report for the proposed ropeway. The company has experience in designing and developing ropeway systems in mountainous regions around the world.
During the planning stage, the company will carry out technical and economic studies to assess the feasibility of the project and prepare the final design. Construction work is expected to begin after the DPR is approved and the required statutory clearances are obtained.
The ropeway is expected to benefit pilgrims visiting Kunjapuri Temple, tourists exploring Rishikesh and Tehri Garhwal, local residents, and businesses that depend on tourism. It may also improve access during peak pilgrimage seasons when road traffic towards the temple increases.
