Ropeway link soon to Elephanta Island

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).

The ropeway will be 8 km long, linking Sewri in Mumbai and Elephanta Island. “Work will begin after the monsoons and will be completed in about 42 months’ time,” an official said.

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 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 long trip are estimated at Rs 500 for Indians and Rs 1,000 for foreigners, according to officials.

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

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

Named by Portuguese 

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