The Uttarakhand government has embarked on a transformative project to boost spiritual tourism and infrastructure by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Swiss ropeway manufacturer Bartholet Maschinenbau AG.
The initiative aims to develop a state-of-the-art ropeway connecting Tapovan in Rishikesh to the revered Kunjapuri Temple in Narendranagar, Tehri Garhwal district. This eco-friendly project, announced in May 2025, is set to revolutionize access to one of Uttarakhand’s most significant spiritual and tourist destinations.
Uttarakhand to Enhance Spiritual Tourism with Rishikesh-Kunjapuri Ropeway
The Rishikesh-Kunjapuri ropeway will provide a seamless, sustainable alternative to the current 30-kilometer road journey, which involves a winding and physically demanding route to the hilltop Kunjapuri Temple, situated at 1,676 meters above sea level. The ropeway is expected to significantly reduce travel time, enhance visitor safety, and minimize environmental impact, aligning with Uttarakhand’s commitment to eco-friendly tourism.
The project will be executed under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model using the Design-Build-Finance-Operate-Transfer (DBFOT) framework, with Bartholet responsible for preparing the Detailed Project Report (DPR) at its own cost.
Bartholet Maschinenbau AG, a globally renowned Swiss firm and part of the HTI Group, was selected after a rigorous evaluation by a high-level committee. The company’s expertise in building ropeways in challenging terrains and its adherence to international safety standards make it an ideal partner.
Bartholet will conduct comprehensive techno-economic assessments to ensure the project meets global benchmarks in design and implementation. The initiative is part of Uttarakhand’s broader vision to enhance tourism infrastructure under the leadership of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and Tourism Minister Satpal Maharaj.
