Makhdoom Sahab ropeway, which connects to the famous Sufi Shrine Makhdoom Sahab would be thrown open for the public possibly after 15 October after a halt of months.
The operations were suspended due to COVID-19 as a precautionary measure and would now be resumed as per Majid Khalil Ahmad Drabu, Managing Director, Jammu and Kashmir Cable Car Corporation.
“We have started operating Gulmarg Gondola and like that this ropeway would also be thrown open for the public anytime after 15th October,” he said.
He said that a team from Kolkata is coming to inspect it this week and if all goes well they would start operating it well in the team.
“The team from Kolkata would conduct its non-destructive test where-in its ropes, grips and hangers would be checked and if they find it all suitable it would be good to go,” he added.
He further said that they are also roping in a French company namely POMA for upgrading it.
“Board has approved the up-gradation. We are waiting for the PMDP funds since we haven’t earned a penny since the March lockdown and post abrogation of Article 370. Once funds would be allocated work would start catching pace,” he said.
While talking about the tourism industry in Kashmir, he said that tourism has been the worst-hit industry so far but in recent times the tourists have started to pour in.
“Hopefully revenue would be generated in the winter session. All components and SOPs would be in place to operate the ropeways e.g. two people would be seated in a cable car for four people,” he said.
Drabu said once the up-gradation of Makhdoom Sahab ropeway is done, they have plans to start working upon the second stage.
“The stage second ropeway will be from Makhdoom Sahab ropeway to Hariparbat Fort and then from Fort to Badamwari is another project,” he added.
Drabu said that this will be the main tourist attraction in the downtown area of Srinagar. “It will not only attract the tourists but would also act as a source of revenue. Tourists would get to see the whole city from this ropeway,” he said.
The department is also planning to include a zip-line along this route so that it would not only act as pilgrimage tourism but also as adventure tourism.
The closure of the ropeway has given a tough time to some devotees of Makhdoom sahib shrine as the shrine has recently been opened for public after COVID-19 lockdown.
“I am a regular visitor to the shrine but cannot climb the stairs due to old age. I would frequently use the cable car when things were all okay. But since it is closed down it is personally a loss for me,” said Ghulam Qadir Baba, a devotee.
This 550-meter ropeway was built at an estimated cost of Rs. 6.5 crore by Jammu and Kashmir Cable Car Corporation (JKCCC) through Kolkata based Ropeway and Resorts Pvt Limited in 2013.