The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways will, from now on, also look after the development of Ropeways and Alternate Mobility Solutions (AMS).

Q.With growing mobility and diverse terrain across the country, it is imperative that all solutions be enabled and implemented. In this light, discuss various changes adopted by the Transport Ministry in this regard.

Ropeways

• A ropeway is a form of naval lifting device used to transport light stores and equipment across rivers or ravines.
• It comprises a jackstay, slung between two sheers one at either end, from which is suspended a block and tackle, that is free to travel along the rope and hauled back and forth by inhauls.
• An amendment to the Government of India (Allocation of Business) Rules, 1961 has been notified, to enable this step.

Impacts of the move

• The move is expected to give a boost to the sector, by setting up a regulatory regime and facilitating research and new technology to come into this sector.
• This means that the Ministry will have responsibility for the development of ropeway and alternative mobility solutions technology, as well as construction, research, and policy in this area.
• Formulation of the institutional, financial, and regulatory framework for the technology will also fall under the ambit of this move.

Expected benefits

• Last-mile connectivity for remote locations
• Reducing congestion on mainstream roads
• Chance to develop world-class ropeway infrastructure
• Setting up of an organised  and dedicated rope-way and alternative mobility solutions industry
• New technology, like CPT – Cable Propelled Transit coming to the sector
• Setting safety norms for unregulated ropeways
• Allowing freight and goods at remote stations
• Regulating tariffs structure for the technology

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