Patnitop cable car ready for commercial operations

Jammu, June 30

Thanks to a cable car project, the picturesque Patnitop tourist resort is all set to regain the glory and hustle-bustle it lost after it fell off the Jammu-Srinagar route due to construction of the Chenani-Nashri tunnel.

The 2.8-km eco-friendly project, which was planned about 15 years ago to boost tourism in the Jammu region, has been completed by Empyrean Skyview Projects Private Limited in collaboration with a French company on a public-private partnership model at a cost of Rs 150 crore.

Despite the challenging terrain, the ropeway was completed in a record time of two and a half years after the work was initiated. It is likely to be dedicated to the nation soon. “We are ready for a soft launch and waiting for the final approval from the government. With the inauguration of the cable car, I am sure this region will emerge as one of the major tourist attractions in the country,” Skyview managing director Syed Junaid Altaf said.

Situated at an altitude of 2,024 m (6,640 feet), the hilltop tourist destination in Udhampur district witnessed a decline in footfall as commuters preferred to take the shorter Chenani-Nashri tunnel route on the Jammu-Srinagar national highway. The 9.28-km Chenani-Nashri tunnel, which opened in April 2017, reduced the distance between the two capital cities by 30 km and travel time by two hours, bypassing destinations like Patnitop, Kud and Batote.

The lower terminal of the project is at Sanget, three kilometre from the Chenani-Nashri tunnel, while the upper terminal is at Patnitop. The ropeway is easily accessible to tourists.

The places which are in proximity to the lower terminal station at Sanget are Sudh Mahadev, Gauri Kund and Mantalai, all having religious significance, while localities such as Nathatop, Madhatop and Sanasar are near the upper terminal at Patnitop.

“Over the past week, a test ride was undertaken for the locals, including schoochildren and tourism players, to showcase the project,” Altaf said, adding that besides the cable car ride, Patnitop would offer several other facilities such as the country’s first ‘magic carpet’ and tubing sledge besides zip line.

He said the cable car project would definitely give boost to tourism activities in Patnitop.

“This is a family destination and our idea is to satisfy everyone, from a six-year-old to a 65-year-old. The ropeway is located in the middle of breathtaking locations,” said Altaf. — PTI

Tunnel affected footfall 

Situated at an altitude of 2,024 m (6,640 feet), the Patnitop tourist resort in Udhampur district witnessed a decline in footfall as commuters preferred to take the shorter Chenani-Nashri tunnel route on the Jammu-Srinagar national highway. The 9.28-km Chenani-Nashri tunnel, which opened in April 2017, reduced the distance between the two capital cities by 30 km and travel time by two hours, bypassing destinations like Patnitop, Kud and Batote.