Lucknow — In a bid to enhance accessibility and promote tourism at key spiritual and cultural destinations, the Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department has launched the first phase of its ambitious ropeway development initiative. The project will begin with the construction of ropeways at Siddh Baba Temple on Gorakh Giri hill in Mahoba and the Maharishi Valmiki Ashram in Chitrakoot.
As part of the groundwork, land has already been earmarked — 9,750 square meters in Mahoba and 8,920 square meters in Chitrakoot — paving the way for swift execution.
Tourism Boost for a $1 Trillion Economy Vision
The ropeway project is a crucial part of the state’s broader strategy to position tourism as a key growth engine in its push toward building a $1 trillion (Rs 1 lakh crore) economy. Uttar Pradesh has emerged as India’s top destination for domestic tourism, with footfall surging from 48 crore visitors in 2023–24 to 64 crore in 2024–25.
“Chitrakoot and Mahoba hold immense religious and historical significance. Our aim is to blend heritage with modern infrastructure, ensuring round-the-year, safe, and easy access for both pilgrims and tourists,” said Tourism Minister Jaiveer Singh.
Thoughtful Planning at the Core
The government is actively identifying other religious and heritage sites that could benefit from similar ropeway facilities. Each location is being evaluated based on terrain, weather conditions, seismic zones, and visitor flow, ensuring both safety and sustainability.
Merging Tradition with Technology
This initiative reflects the state’s intent to modernize pilgrimage experiences without compromising on cultural integrity. By introducing ropeways, the administration seeks to ease the journey for elderly devotees and improve crowd management during peak seasons.
With the Siddh Baba Temple and Maharishi Valmiki Ashram leading the way, the Uttar Pradesh government is laying the foundation for a tourism-friendly future where tradition meets smart infrastructure.
