The Barabar Hills Ropeway project, envisioned to boost tourism in Bihar, centers around the Barabar Hills, a location of historical and religious significance.
This ambitious initiative aims to connect key sites in the Barabar region through a state-of-the-art ropeway system, enhancing accessibility for tourists while promoting the cultural and natural heritage of the area. Below is a detailed account of the project’s current status, planned routes, maps, ticket pricing, tendering process, and expected completion timeline.
Historical and Cultural Significance of Barabar Hills
Barabar Hills is home to the Barabar Caves, Siddheshwar Nath Temple, Gopi Caves, and other ancient landmarks such as Sudama Cave, Loma Rishi Cave, and Vishwa Jhopri Cave. These sites date back to the Mauryan Empire and hold immense historical and archaeological value. Alongside these cultural treasures, Nauka Vihar (boating on the Falgu River) adds to the region’s appeal as a tourist destination. The ropeway project was conceptualized to improve connectivity to these sites, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience for visitors.
Planned Route and Design of the Barabar Hills Ropeway
The Barabar Hills Ropeway project includes two major ropeway routes:
- Barabar (Patal Ganga) to Siddheshwar Nath Mahadev Temple:
- Starting Point: Behind the New Rest House of the Tourism Department at Barabar.
- Ending Point: South-Eastern side of Siddheshwar Nath Mahadev Temple.
- Features: Monocable Pulsated Ropeway with a capacity of 300 passengers per hour.
- Key Attractions: Barabar Caves, Siddheshwar Nath Temple, and Nauka Vihar.
- Gaighat to Siddheshwar Nath Mahadev Temple:
- Starting Point: In front of Bhagirath Baba Dharamshala at Gaighat.
- Ending Point: North-Western side of Siddheshwar Nath Mahadev Temple.
- This route is proposed to be developed in the project’s later stages, contingent on the success of the first phase.
Project Status of Barabar Hills Ropeway
The project is currently in the preparatory phase:
- Surveys and Studies: Teams from RITES (Rail India Technical and Economic Service) have completed comprehensive studies, gathering data on tourist traffic, site conditions, and economic viability.
- Tender Process: The tendering process is expected to finalize within six months, following which the construction phase will commence.
- Clearances Required: Approvals related to forest conservation, environmental impact, ASI (Archaeological Survey of India), and land acquisition are being pursued.
Barabar Hills Ropeway Projected Timeline
- Tender Finalization: Six months from the initiation of the tender process.
- Construction Period: Estimated at 30 months post-clearance, with the first ropeway route expected to be operational within this period.
- Completion Date: Initially planned for 2018, but due to delays, a revised timeline will likely depend on the tendering and clearance processes in 2024.
Barabar Hills Ropeway Cost
- Total Project Cost: Approximately ₹24.13 crores for both ropeways combined.
- Disbursement Schedule:
- 40% in the first year.
- 40% in the second year.
- Remaining 20% in subsequent years.
- Recurring Annual Costs: Estimated at ₹94.30 lakhs for operation and maintenance.
- Economic Feasibility: The project yields an Internal Rate of Return (IRR) of 10.80%, which could be improved by optimizing ticket prices and operational efficiency.
Barabar Hills Ropeway Ticket Price
- Initial Ticket Fare: ₹250 per person for a round trip covering both ropeways.
- Future Adjustments: A 10% hike in ticket prices every three years to account for inflation and operational costs.
- Comparison: Similar ropeways, such as the Trikut Hill Ropeway in Jharkhand (commissioned in 2009), charge ₹100 for a shorter 733-meter route.
Tourism Potential and Traffic Projections of Barabar Hills Ropeway
The ropeway project is expected to significantly increase footfall at Barabar Hills. Below are the projected annual visitor numbers:
- 2018: 64,491 visitors.
- 2022: 142,370 visitors.
- 2028: 165,106 visitors.
- 2032: 182,246 visitors.
- 2037: 198,524 visitors.
The increase in visitors will boost local businesses, including shops, eateries, and other service providers, further cementing the region’s position as a prime tourist hub in Bihar.
Tender Process of Barabar Hills Ropeway
The tendering process for the Jehanabad ropeway involves several stages:
- Preparation of the Detailed Project Report (DPR) by RITES, incorporating technical specifications and financial analysis.
- Invitation for bids from qualified contractors and firms with expertise in ropeway construction.
- Evaluation and selection of contractors based on technical and financial criteria.
Barabar Hills Ropeway Maps
Detailed maps outlining the ropeway’s alignment will be available post-clearance from the Forest and Environment departments. The maps will ensure that construction aligns with environmental sustainability goals and minimally impacts the natural landscape.
Challenges and Recommendations
- Environmental and Archaeological Clearances: Given the proximity of heritage sites, approvals from ASI and other regulatory bodies are critical.
- Public Acceptability: Ticket pricing and operational efficiency need to balance affordability with revenue generation.
- Stakeholder Coordination: Collaboration between the Tourism Department, Forest Department, and local authorities is essential to expedite the project.
Conclusion
The Barabar Hills Ropeway project holds the promise of transforming Barabar Hills into a major tourist destination in Bihar. By connecting historical, religious, and natural attractions, the project aims to provide a world-class experience to visitors while generating economic benefits for the region. However, timely completion and efficient operation will depend on resolving bureaucratic hurdles, securing clearances, and fostering stakeholder collaboration. With its strategic importance and ambitious vision, the Barabar Hills Ropeway is poised to become a landmark initiative in Bihar’s tourism sector.
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