Project of Vertical Lift from Peerkho to Mubarak Mandi
*Mahamaya-Peerkho ropeway section not attracting tourists
Mohinder Verma
JAMMU, May 14: In view of poor response to the repeated tenders for Vertical Lift from Peerkho to Mubarak Mandi Complex, the Jammu and Kashmir Cable Car Corporation Limited (JKCCCL) has approached the National Highways and Logistics Management Limited (NHLML) for expert opinion and guidance to overcome the problem.
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The project of Vertical Lift was approved by the Administrative Council in the month of September 2023 and it was officially stated that Vertical Lift will connect the Mubarak Mandi Heritage Complex with Peerkho Station of Jammu Ropeway Project and other tourist/pilgrim places providing a complete tourist/pilgrim circuit.
Further, it was mentioned in the decision that the circuit shall be of huge convenience to the tourists and pilgrims visiting nearby spots such as Jammu Ropeway Project, Peerkho Temple, Mahamaya Temple, Bahu Fort, Bagh-e-Bahu and Bawe Wali Mata Temple. Moreover, it will provide easy connectivity from Mubarak Mandi Complex to other three Pracheen temples and tourist-related places in Jammu district.
Following the approval of the Administrative Council, the J&K Cable Car Corporation Limited floated tender for Planning, Design, Engineering, Installation, Testing and Commissioning of Vertical Lift and connecting bridges complete in all respect between Peerkho to Mubarak Mandi Complex on Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) Mode. However, not even single tender was received during the prescribed time-frame.
Thereafter, the tender was floated afresh but again there was poor response and this aspect came up for discussion in a high-level meeting held recently. “In the meeting, it was admitted by J&K Cable Car Corporation Limited that project has been delayed despite accord of administrative approval and availability of funds with the Corporation”, sources said, adding “in the meeting, senior officers expressed displeasure over the delay in the project and called for an expeditious line of action in the matter so that decision taken in September 2023 is translated into reality without further loss of time.
They informed, “the tender is on 3rd call now and last date for bid submission is June 30, 2025. However, as advised by the Government, the Cable Car Corporation has approached the National Highways and Logistics Management Limited (NHLML), a 100% owned company of the National Highways Authority of India and is responsible for spearheading pivotal initiatives aimed at improving transport logistics, infrastructure and asset monetization”.
“The NHLML has been requested to examine the Detailed Project Report (DPR) and tender document and accordingly make suggestions so that necessary modifications can be carried out in both in order to receive good response for execution of project”, sources further said, adding “the suggestions/ expert opinion of NHLML will be placed before the higher authorities by the Cable Car Corporation for final decision”.
It is pertinent to mention here that NHLML has been selected for expert opinion in the light of the fact that it is implementing Parvatmala Scheme (National Ropeways Development Programme) in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir in order to improve connectivity in hilly and remote areas using ropeways.
Meanwhile, the Mahamaya-Peerkho section of the Jammu ropeway is not attracting tourists even several years after its construction for want of recreational and other facilities.
“Unlike Bagh-e-Bahu-Mahamaya section, there is absolutely no facility for the visitors at Peerkho and this is sole reason behind lack of interest of the tourists. Till date the restaurant constructed at Peer Kho could not be made functional and the entire infrastructure is lying unutilized”, sources said, adding “generally, the Peerkho Station of the ropeway wears deserted look for want of comfortable sitting, well planned eating points and refreshment arrangements”.
When contacted, an officer of J&K Cable Car Corporation admitted that Mahamaya-Peerkho section of the ropeway is not attracting tourists. “We floated tenders for making restaurant operational but every time there was poor response. Once the Vertical Lift is constructed this section of ropeway will definitely become attraction point for the tourists”, he claimed.
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