Sabarimala ropeway project moves closer to reality

A long-pending plan to construct a ropeway for transporting goods from Pampa to the Sabarimala Sannidhanam has received a significant boost with the State Wildlife Board deciding to recommend the release of forest land for the project.

Confirming the development, official sources said that the Chief Wildlife Warden of the State, who also serves as the Member Secretary of the State Wildlife Board, will forward the recommendation for necessary permissions from the National Tiger Conservation Authority, followed by the National Wildlife Board.

“Usually, the Centre does not outright reject proposals endorsed by the State Wildlife Boards. Moreover, the Union government has been generally supportive of ropeway projects as a means to improve access to remote regions. Taking these factors into account, we are optimistic about receiving final approval soon,” said an official.

The ropeway project, overseen by the Sabarimala High-Power Committee, was first initiated in 2011. However, it had faced repeated delays due to objections from the Forest department, particularly over concerns related to large-scale earth removal and tree felling.

Alternative land

The proposed ropeway, spanning 2.7 km, is intended to transport goods from the Pampa base station to the Sannidhanam. The project involves the diversion of approximately 4.53 hectares of forest land, including 2.5 acres for the lower terminal at Pampa Hilltop and 1.5 acres for the upper terminal near the Sannidhanam. The State government has already issued an order compensating the Forest department with alternative land in Kattilappra within the Shenduruny forest range in Kollam.

According to Eighteenth Step Damodar Cable Car Private Ltd, the firm implementing the project, construction is expected to be completed within 24 months once work begins. The total cost is estimated at ₹250 crore. The project will operate on a Build, Operate, and Transfer (BOT) model. A total of 60 cars will operate on the line, including cargo trays and two specially designed ambulance cars for emergency medical transport.

Cost escalations

Officials noted that the prolonged delay in launching the project has led to cost escalations, partly due to the addition of the ambulance cars. “Though primarily meant for goods transport, the ropeway cabins are being designed like passenger units as many of the materials to be transported are perishable and require better protection,” an official explained.

The infrastructure will include five pre-fabricated steel towers ranging from 40 to 60 meters in height. These towers will link the lower terminal at Pampa Hilltop with the upper terminal near the police barracks at the Sannidhanam. To minimise ecological damage, the alignment has been shifted closer to the existing trekking path, reducing the number of trees to be felled to just 80.

Published - June 19, 2025 06:58 pm IST