Indian Bureaucracy, Lakhimpur Kheri, May 19, 2025| The Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department has announced plans to construct advanced ropeway systems at two significant pilgrimage sites: the Valmiki Ashram in Chitrakoot and the Siddh Baba Temple on Gorakh Giri Hill in Mahoba. This initiative aims to modernise the religious tourism infrastructure and improve access for the thousands of pilgrims visiting these hilltop temples annually.
The proposed ropeways are designed to meet international standards, incorporating advanced safety features, durable components, and all-weather operational capability. Routes will be developed with consideration for local topography, seismic activity, seasonal variations, and existing travel patterns to ensure year-round reliability and security.
“These ropeways are intended to enrich the spiritual experience for millions by making sacred sites more accessible,” a senior tourism department official stated. “We are connecting tradition with technology.”
At Chitrakoot, a ropeway is planned near Bagrehi village, situated along the Chitrakoot–Prayagraj highway. It will connect devotees to the ancient ashram of Maharishi Valmiki, revered as the author of the Ramayana. The department has identified 8,920 square meters of land for this project.
In Mahoba, the ropeway will provide access to the Siddh Baba Temple on Gorakh Giri Hill, a site associated with Guru Gorakhnath, located approximately two kilometers from Mahoba city in Raheliya village. Here, 9,750 square meters of land have been identified for development.
Officials indicate both systems will utilize contemporary technology to ensure high reliability and safety, facilitating comfortable travel for all age groups, including elderly and physically challenged pilgrims. The projects are anticipated to increase pilgrim numbers, alleviate congestion, and generate local employment opportunities.
Shri Mukesh Meshram IAS, Principal Secretary for Culture and Tourism, stated that construction is expected to commence soon, pending final approvals and surveys. He added, “We hope to have these ropeway systems operational as early as next year.”