FCC

MbPT to soon begin construction of India?s longest ropeway ride over sea

2019-08-14

Construction of the much-sought-after ropeway project that connects Elephanta Caves to Mumbai is reportedly set to begin by the year-end. Soon underway, the project has seen support from the culture ministry and will be on the fast track to becoming the longest ropeway ride, over the sea, in the country.

A first of its kind in India, the project will be under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Shipping and will be executed by Mumbai Port Trust (MbPT).

For the construction to commence, the MbPT requires to acquire certain clearances. As reported, barring the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) which is a part of the Ministry of Culture, all other clearances have been received.

However, it is anticipated that all necessary obligations will soon be fulfilled after both the ministries had a meeting and due support was shown for the project. The approval required falls under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958.

This venture is estimated to cost about Rs 7 billion and will be completed within a 42-month period.

As reported, the ropeway will extend to a distance of about ropeway eight km, from Sewri in Mumbai to Elephanta Island. The ride will be carried out in a 30-seater cable car and will be completed in 14 minutes.

The main elements of construction will involve the placement of 8-11 towers in the middle of the sea that will be around 50-150 m tall.