SGNP ropeway gets SBW nod

The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority’s (MMRDA’s) has got the go-ahead from the State Board for Wildlife (SBW) to conduct a survey for a planned ‘urban ropeway’ in Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP). This eight-kilometre-long ropeway was proposed in order to boost tourism in SGNP and improve connectivity between Borivali and Thane.

According to officials, permission hasn’t been yet for the ropeway, but MMRDA has got the required clearance to conduct a survey in the park premises. Confirming the same, state forest minister Sudhir Mungantiwar said, “The permission is only for MMRDA to study the area. Anything further on this will be decided later on.”

The MMRDA had come up with the idea to facilitate better connectivity. According to Mr Mungantiwar, around 90 people would be able to commute from Thane to Borivali and vice-versa via the ropeway. This would not only reduce road traffic but also act as a feeder service between Thane and Borivali.

MMRDA officials had earlier told The Asian Age that consulting engineers were appointed to conduct a study on whether having a ropeway inside SGNP is feasible or not.

According to officials from the forest department, the plan for the urban ropeway will be thoroughly checked for every minute detail before a go-ahead is given for it. However, the study would be conducted in the park premises soon.

The MMRDA said it plans to carry out feasibility studies on constructing a network of ropeways all around the city after taking suggestions in the Comprehensive Transport Study (CTS) carried out by MMRDA in 2008.

According to these officials, tourists would be able to have a bird’s eye view of the landscape in SGNP.