The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh / Visakhapatnam News : Rooting for ropeways

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Nov 16, 2005

Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh - Visakhapatnam

Rooting for ropeways

Staff Reporter

`As a mode of transport it is yet to get recognition'

VISAKHAPATNAM: "Ropeway has always played an important role in transporting people and material, but unfortunately it has never been given the due recognition as one of the basic modes of transport," observed Shekar Chakraborty, the managing director of Conveyor and Ropeway Services Private Limited, here on Tuesday.

Speaking at the first anniversary function of the Kailasagiri ropeway he said, "Ropeway plays an important role in the tourism industry. It helps tourists negotiate heights and provides an exciting experience. And that could the reason why it is looked upon as an added tourist advantage rather than a safe mode of transport."

According to Mr. Shekar, ropeways cut short distances in a pollution free mode. Citing an example he said, "The road route to Kailasagiri hilltop from the foothill is around 4.5 km. and it is cut short by the ropeway to half kilometre. Moreover, the most important aspect is pollution. While driving up the steep gradient the vehicles emit dangerous toxic gases, which would create ecological problems in future. But ropeway is pollution-free. Administration should understand this take up steps to increase the traffic on the ropeway. Developed countries have already recognised this aspect and are taking positive steps in this direction.''

He also said that people should come out of the misconception that ropeway was not a safe mode of transport. "It has been established that the casualty rate in ropeways per kilometre is minimal compared to other means of transport. Moreover, we have a permanent team stationed at every installation throughout the country to take care of the maintenance work."

Giving details on the company, its director Rachana Mukherjee, said the company had so far completed over 50 such ropeways in the country including a couple of major ones like in Darjeeling and Bhopal, and Bhutan. She also disclosed that the company had taken over Breco-Ropeways Limited of England recently. On the viability of the Kailasagiri project Mr. Shekar said: "This is a BOT (build, operate and transfer) project and people have just started enjoying the ride after initial apprehensions. The BOT period is for 21 years and we hope to break even in a couple of years.''

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