India, Dec 18: SYSTRA India, a subsidiary of SYSTRA Group, has officially signed an agreement with the Uttarakhand Metro Rail Urban Infrastructure & Building Construction Corporation Limited (UKMRCL) to serve as the technical consultant to prepare the Feasibility Report (FR) for the development of a comprehensive ropeway system across Nainital district, Uttarakhand.

Under this partnership, SYSTRA will prepare the FR for new ropeway corridors, leveraging its global expertise in complex mobility systems to design modern, safe, and sustainable mobility solutions specifically engineered for the unique terrain of the Kumaon region. The proposed 21-km ropeway network will connect key destinations in Nainital, the Lake District of India—situated at approximately 2,000 metres above sea level—through four strategic tentative routes covering Rani Bagh, Bhimtal, Bhowali, Nainital and Kanchi Dham.

These corridors are designed to enhance mobility for tourists, residents, and pilgrims while addressing the region’s pressing transportation challenges.

The ropeway corridors are expected to bring a range of benefits to the region such as:

• Boost tourism through a scenic, safe, and enjoyable travel experience,

• Significant reduction in traffic congestion, easing pressure on narrow and sensitive hill roads,

• Lower vehicular emissions and reduce carbon footprints, contributing to the preservation of the fragile Himalayan ecosystem,

• Improved accessibility for elderly, travellers with reduced mobility, and families with children travelling with luggage.

• Enhanced regional connectivity across key destinations.

• Seamless mobility for pilgrims, especially through the proposed route to Kainchi Dham, home to the revered Neem Karoli Baba Ashram.

• Support for local livelihoods through increased tourism and better infrastructure access.

SYSTRA’s scope of work encompasses comprehensive planning by conducting primary investigations and ground surveys, stakeholder consultations including finalisation of alignment technology selection, and ridership forecasting. The project will follow international best practices while ensuring minimal environmental impact, with careful consideration of forest conservation, wildlife corridors, and the region’s eco-sensitive zones.

Mr. Sandeep Fuller, CEO (Project Services), SYSTRA India, said, “We are honoured to partner with UKMRC on this transformative mobility initiative for Nainital and the Kumaon region. Ropeway systems offer a modern and sustainable way to travel, reduce pressure on road networks, and enhance the overall tourism experience. At SYSTRA, we remain committed to delivering safe, efficient, and future-ready transport solutions that support Uttarakhand’s growth while preserving its natural beauty.”

As a trusted leader in transport and mobility engineering, SYSTRA’s partnership with UKMRC represents a significant step towards reshaping mobility in the Kumaon region. With its strong focus on sustainability, connectivity, and visitor experience, this ropeway network has the potential to set a new standard for responsible tourism infrastructure in India‘s Himalayan destinations.