It is now also exploring the possibility of having cargo movement via ropeway for transportation of goods from the island city to the heritage island where lakhs of tourists visit annually.
While the Mumbai Port Trust (MbPT) has proposed movement of passengers or tourists between Sewri and Elephanta caves via 8-km-long mid-sea ropeway, it is now also exploring the possibility of having cargo movement via ropeway for transportation of goods from the island city to the heritage island where lakhs of tourists visit annually.
The ropeway project is currently under bidding process, and the MbPT has informed the potential bidders to consider having an option of having cargo movement by introducing cargo ropeway car along with transportation of tourists.
An MbPT official said, "The ropeway system will be mounted with modern cabins, and we have also asked potential bidders should think of introducing cargo car in the system. This cargo car system will run at a restricted frequency, and will help the movement of goods that are required at the heritage island for tourism purposes."
The MbPT official added, "We have proposed terminals at Sewri end and Elephanta caves end. Along with this, we have also proposed to have mid-sea restaurants along the alignment of the ropeway to make it viable for the operator. Hence, if all this is proposed, there will be a requirement of transportation means for goods. The cargo car ropeway will help in that movement. Currently, there is rarely any cargo movement between Mumbai and Elephanta caves."
The 8-km-long ropeway is expected to boost tourism in the city, and for which the tentative fare is expected to be around Rs 600 for journey both ways. However, here the whole investment is going to be from the private sector, and MbPT will allow the private firm who builds to earn from the commercial operations in form of ticketing and non-ticketing revenue.
Elephanta caves at Elephanta island is declared as a world heritage site by United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) and due to which clearance will have to be taken from Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) along with Indian Navy, Coastguard and several other clearances like that of environmental clearances.
Sanjay Bhatia, Chairman of MbPT told DNA, "We have got a good response for construction of ropeway mid-sea, and of all the players that have shown interest, around three to four international companies seem to be serious bidders interested in the construction of this ropeway system."
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