The Uttarakhand government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Swiss ropeway manufacturer Bartholet Maschinenbau AG to construct a ropeway linking Tapovan in Rishikesh to the Kunjapuri Temple in Tehri’s Narendranagar.

The project aims to offer eco-friendly, efficient, and safe access to the revered temple site, significantly reducing travel time and lowering environmental impact. Officials stated that the initiative will improve the pilgrimage experience while aligning with sustainable tourism objectives.

Bartholet, a renowned Original Equipment Manufacturer based in Switzerland and part of the HTI Group, was selected following review by a high-level committee. The ropeway will be executed under a public-private partnership (PPP) using the design-build-finance-operate-transfer (DBFOT) model. As part of the agreement, Bartholet will bear the cost of preparing a detailed project report, informed by comprehensive techno-economic evaluations.