To give relief for apple growers, Cabinet has approved to appoint M/s Usha Breco Limited, Ghaziabad as Consultant for conducting Pre-feasibility study (PFS) of developing Aerial Ropeway Transportation system for transportation of Horticultural Produce especially apple from Apple Growing Areas in H.P. to prospective markets in the border areas of plains in Private Sector Participation through Himachal Pradesh Infrastructure Development Board (HPIDB). In first phase the study is limited to the major apple growing areas of Shimla district.
The need was being seriously felt by Government for some alternative transport system for exporting/ transporting agricultural/horticultural produce especially apple and vegetables from apple growing areas of Himachal Pradesh to the terminal market which will be highly desirable in view of existing infrastructure which is found to be inadequate and also keeping in view the road conditions especially during rainy season when it really worsen resulting into heavy cost of transportation and loss to growers since the apple is perishable fruit. It is in keeping this view that exploring the possibility of developing of Aerial Transportation system for export of apple from apple growing areas to prospective markets is required. This will not only help the horticulturists but will ultimately result into less pressure on limited road infrastructure of State. The project is proposed to be developed in private sector.
The hilly and mountainous topography, environmental concerns and high cost of the rail road transportation systems make a strong case for using Aerial Ropeway technology in the State especially for transportation of goods in bulk. The transportation of horticultural produce apples etc. can be done through aerial ropeways system over hilly terrain without disturbing the ecology and help in getting of infrastructure development.
