Darjeeling Ropeway Project Set to Transform Hill Travel Under Parvatmala Scheme 

To improve connectivity in the Darjeeling hills, the Government of India has asked the West Bengal Government to examine the feasibility of developing ropeway links between Ghoom–Darjeeling, Darjeeling–Bijanbari, and Delo–Kalimpong. 

The proposed projects fall under the Union Government’s ambitious “Parvatmala Scheme,” aimed at enhancing mobility in mountainous regions through modern ropeway systems.

The move comes as National Highway 110, the lifeline between Siliguri and Darjeeling struggles with severe congestion. 

The Sukna–Kurseong–Ghoom stretch currently handles more than 15,000 vehicles per day, over twice its designed capacity. Traffic bottlenecks have become routine, particularly during tourist seasons, significantly slowing the movement of both locals and visitors.

To address this growing pressure, the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd. (NHIDCL) has also initiated a feasibility study and Detailed Project Report (DPR) for an alternative highway to Darjeeling.

If approved, the ropeway network could not only reduce travel time but also give a sustainable and scenic transport option for the region, giving a major boost to tourism while easing the load on heavily burdened hill roads.