Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu inaugurated the Mata Baglamukhi Ropeway in Mandi district on Tuesday. The 800-meter-long ropeway, constructed at a cost of Rs. 53.89 crore, connects Pandoh to the Mata Baglamukhi Temple in Bakhli. Built to European CEN standards, it operates at a line speed of 6 meters per second and can transport up to 600 passengers per hour. This development reduces a 14-kilometer road journey to a brief aerial trip, enhancing accessibility for devotees and tourists.
Notably, the ropeway traverses the Pandoh Dam reservoir, offering passengers scenic views of the surrounding hills and serene waters. This unique feature is expected to boost tourism in the region, attracting visitors to both the temple and a nearby nature park developed by the Forest Department. The project aims to promote sustainable tourism and generate economic opportunities for the local population.
The foundation stone for this project was laid in February 2022 by then-Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur, with an initial completion timeline of one year. However, the project faced delays, leading to its inauguration in December 2024. The ropeway is the first in the state to be constructed after the Government of India allowed such projects through NABARD funding.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri, Chairman APMC Mandi Sanjeev Guleria, and other dignitaries. Chief Minister Sukhu paid obeisance at the Baglamukhi Temple, praying for the state’s peace and prosperity.
The Mata Baglamukhi Ropeway is poised to become a significant attraction, offering a unique experience that combines spiritual pilgrimage with natural beauty. Its strategic location on the Chandigarh-Manali National Highway makes it accessible to tourists visiting popular destinations like Kullu-Manali, Kasol, and Lahaul-Spiti.
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The project underscores the government’s commitment to infrastructure development that aligns with environmental preservation, aiming to foster growth while maintaining the region’s natural charm.
