HP CM’s nod to Hamirpur ropeway

Kullu: Himachal chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Saturday said that the state government has approved the installation of a ropeway at Baba Balaknath Temple at Deothsidh, located in Hamirpur district. In a statement, Sukhu said that this temple was recognised as one of the most sacred and ancient pilgrimage sites and the up-gradation of infrastructure would boost religious tourism in the area.To address congestion and ensure the smooth and safe movement of pilgrims, the state government has approved the installation of a ropeway at the temple, added the chief minister. He said, "The 0.52-kilometer ropeway is expected to be constructed with an outlay of Rs 65 crore and would connect the taxi parking area to the temple. This temple is located at the top of the mountain and currently faces major congestion, particularly during Navratras, when lakhs of devotees visit the temple, often resulting in inconvenience. The ropeway would help mitigate this problem and facilitate visitors."
He said that the Baba Balak Nath Temple is a significant pilgrimage site and attracts thousands of devotees from across North India. This temple serves not only as a spiritual centre but also as a hub for cultural and natural exploration in Himachal Pradesh. CM Sukhu stated that the development of the ropeway would significantly enhance the experiences of the devotees, ensuring safety and accessibility for the numerous pilgrims visiting the Baba Balaknath Temple.
"Currently, there is a single road connecting the taxi parking to the temple, but the new ropeway would provide devotees with an alternative and memorable way to reach the temple," he said. This project is also expected to create employment and self-employment opportunities for local people, thereby bolstering the area's economy.