Shiv Kumar

Tribune News Service

Mumbai, June 22

In a little over three years the world’s longest ropeway over the sea between Mumbai and the popular tourist destination of Elephanta island, 8 km away, will become operational, according to officials of the Mumbai Port Trust (MbPT).

According to the MbPT, the ropeway will be eight-km long, linking Sewri in Mumbai and Elephanta island. “Work will begin after the monsoon and will be completed in three and a half years,” said an official from the MbPT.

The project to be constructed under the Public Private Partnership model is expected to cost Rs 700 crore. The MbPT has invited bids from global companies with expertise in building ropeways and the last date for submitting the bids is July 31, according to sources.

To facilitate construction at the country’s busiest port, a helipad will be constructed at Haji Bunder near the landing point for the ropeway at the Mumbai end so that the contractor can transport men and material, officials say.

Under the PPP model, the winning bidder will construct the ropeway and recover the investments and profits through both ticketing and non-ticketing revenue. Two-way fares for the 40-minute trip are estimated at Rs 500 for Indians and Rs 1,000 for foreigners, according to officials.

The MbPT’s project report estimates that at least 20,000 people will be using the ropeway every day.

Sources say most of clearances from the Navy, Coast Guard and the Archaeological Survey of India have been received or are in the process of coming through.

Over the past few years, the Maharashtra government has spent nearly Rs 200 crore to provide basic infrastructure to the picturesque Elephanta Caves. The island received electricity supply only last year.

At present, tourists come to Elephanta by boat from Mumbai’s Gateway of India.

According to the Archaeological Survey of India, the Elephanta Caves date back to the third century CE. The name Elephanta was given by the Portuguese to the caves because of the sculpture of the huge elephant that greets visitors to the spot.