MOU signed for construction of Palchang-Rohtang Ropeway

Himachal Pradesh government today signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Malana Ropeway Pvt Ltd for execution of 9-Km long Palchan-Rohtang ropeway to be constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 390 crore.
Mohan Chauhan, Commissioner (Tourism) signed the MOU on behalf of the government while Trilok Kapoor, General Manager, Malana Ropeway Pvt Ltd, a subsidiary of Tata Infrastructures, signed on behalf of the Company.
The project would be commissioned within four years.
The Company deposited Rs 6.80 crore as "project Success" amount and annual license fee would be payable at the rate of Rs 1.80 crore with ten percent annual increase.

The National Green Tribunal (NGT), which has imposed restrictions on plying of diesel and petrol vehicles to Rohtang, had also suggested that feasibility of constructing ropeway should be explored.
The project, which was earlier awarded to Power Himalaya Ltd, was cancelled by the Cabinet on February 27, 2014, as the company had failed to pay the project development fee and other dues.

The company finally tied up with Tata Infrastructure Ltd and formed a joint venture Malana Ropeway Pvt Ltd with whom the MoU will be signed here today.
There are 2,300 taxi operators, ferrying tourists to Rohtang on a daily basis while the NGT has restricted the number of vehicles to 1,000.

The NGT has also directed the state government to explore the possibility of passenger ropeways to other places like Bhrigu Laka, Hamta Pass, Patalsu Peak, Kothi Peak, Shilla Thatch and Chanderkhani Pass, where tourists can see snow.