A Green Light for the Sabarimala Ropeway

The long-pending Sabarimala ropeway project has moved a step closer to implementation, with the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) granting approval for a site inspection ahead of final clearance.

Acting on a recommendation from the State Wildlife Board, the NBWL’s standing committee has constituted a high-level team to conduct the field visit. Final approval is expected at the NBWL’s meeting in October, which would also pave the way for stage-one forest clearance—clearing a key hurdle for project execution.

Originally proposed in 2011, the ropeway—spearheaded by the Sabarimala High-Power Committee—has faced multiple delays, primarily due to environmental concerns raised by the forest department, including large-scale earth removal and tree felling.

Once completed, the ropeway is expected to significantly ease pilgrim movement to the shrine while reducing ecological pressure from heavy foot traffic. With both wildlife and forest approvals now within reach, the long-stalled project is finally nearing takeoff.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.