Maa Baglamukhi Ropeway: A Thrilling New Attraction Above Pandoh Reservoir
The newly inaugurated Maa Baglamukhi Ropeway near the Pandoh Dam in Mandi has become a major draw for tourists and locals alike. Officially launched by Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on December 3, the ropeway offers visitors a unique and exhilarating journey over the serene waters of the Pandoh Reservoir, transforming travel to the Mata Baglamukhi Temple into a thrilling adventure.
This 800-meter-long ropeway, built at a cost of ₹53.89 crore, connects the Mata Baglamukhi Temple to the Chandigarh-Manali National Highway near the Pandoh scissor turn. Previously, devotees had to undertake a 14-kilometer road journey to reach the temple. Now, the ropeway cuts this distance to just a 4-minute ride, providing a convenient and enjoyable alternative.
Ropeway Opens Doors for All
The ropeway has made the temple more accessible, especially for elderly devotees. Ashwani Dhawan, an 84-year-old resident of Mandi, shared his joy at visiting the temple for the first time, saying, “I could never imagine coming here before, but the ropeway has made it so much easier.”
Tourists and locals alike have lauded the initiative. Residents Upendra Vaidya and Manoj Thakur from Sarkaghat described it as a commendable government project, suggesting similar ropeways at other religious and tourist destinations to boost local employment and tourism. For many, the journey itself is a highlight. Mandi residents Monu and Sapna Thakur compared the ride to a helicopter flight, marveling at the breathtaking views of the reservoir below.
Affordable and Convenient
Managed by the Ropeway & Rapid Transport System Development Corporation Limited, the ropeway operates daily from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., accommodating over 250 passengers daily. Ticket prices are ₹150 for a one-way trip and ₹250 for a round trip, with discounted rates of ₹75 and ₹125 for children. Special concessions are available for locals residing near the temple, with fares as low as ₹30 for a one-way trip.
Kush Vaidya, the Resident Manager, highlighted the state-of-the-art features of the ropeway, which adheres to European CEN standards, has a line speed of 21.6 km/h, and a capacity of 600 people per hour. Remarkably, this is the first ropeway in India funded under NABARD’s RIDF scheme, and it was completed in a record 32 months.
Boosting Tourism and Adventure
The Maa Baglamukhi Ropeway is a one-of-a-kind experience, being the only ropeway in Himachal Pradesh that passes over a water body. The aerial views of the Pandoh Reservoir and the surrounding landscapes have captivated visitors, adding a sense of luxury and adventure to the ride.
Locals believe the ropeway will significantly boost tourism in the region, benefiting attractions like the nearby Nature Park Bakhli and enhancing the popularity of the Mata Baglamukhi Temple. The Forest Department has also developed the surrounding areas, further enriching the visitor experience.
As a gateway to popular destinations like Kullu, Manali, Kasol, and Lahaul-Spiti, the Maa Baglamukhi Ropeway is fast becoming a must-visit attraction for travelers seeking both spiritual solace and thrilling adventure.
