Uncertainty looms over resumption of service in time for winter season
Tuesday, 03 OCTOBER 2023 | PRADEEP BHANDARI | JOSHIMATH
The Auli ropeway has been closed since January this year when Joshimath was experiencing land subsidence. The Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam (GMVN) is believed to have suffered considerable loss due to the ropeway to Auli not operating for about nine months now. The resumption of the operation of this ropeway is still uncertain at a time when the advent of the winter season is not far. A large number of tourists visit Auli during the winter season and the number of visitors increases after snowfall when visitors enjoy various snowsports in this famous tourist destination.
It will be recalled that the operation of the ropeway from Joshimath to Auli has been closed since January 5 after Joshimath city started experiencing land subsidence. Considerable subsidence had occurred near tower number one of the ropeway, due to which the operation of the facility was closed in view of public safety. It should be mentioned here that people travelling to Badrinath, Hemkund Sahib and Valley of Flowers were unable to visit Auli by ropeway this year. The tourists interested in reaching the destination travelled by vehicles. Locals are uncertain about whether the operation of the ropeway will be resumed after the scientific report is received. Meanwhile, the GMVN which operates this facility is believed to have suffered considerable loss due to the inoperation of the ropeway. During 2022, from January to August a total of 38,311 people had visited Auli and the GMVN had earned revenue amounting to Rs 38,311,000 during this period. The locals in the tourism business believe that tourist movements to Auli may be affected if the operation of the ropeway is not started during the winter season.
