Haridwar, September 9: Putting safety above all, the Haridwar Municipal Corporation (Nagar Nigam Haridwar) has issued a fresh tender for operating the iconic Mansa Devi ropeway.
The development on Monday comes barely three months after the Uttarakhand High Court reprimanded the state government, forcing it to scrap its earlier tender that had controversially allowed general infrastructure firms to bid.
A 44-Year-Old Lifeline
The ropeway, in operation for more than four decades, ferries lakhs of devotees every year to the revered hilltop shrine.
But recent accidents elsewhere — including the cargo ropeway tragedy at Pavagadh in Gujarat — have set off alarm bells nationwide. Officials admit that entrusting such systems to non-specialists is a recipe for disaster.
Only Ropeway Specialists Welcome
The new tender, released on September 8, 2025, bars infrastructure companies outright and throws open the field only to dedicated ropeway operators.
Among the key conditions, bidders must have at least 10 years of experience in ropeway operations, with successful management of two passenger ropeways — one of which should use mono-cable detachable technology. They must also have a spotless safety record with no fatal accidents in the past decade.
In addition, blacklisted or debarred companies will not be allowed to participate.
Officials stressed that the chosen operator will be entirely responsible for passenger safety, staff deployment, and compliance with all statutory safety norms. Even day-to-day aspects like uniforms, ID cards, and crowd control will fall on the selected company.
Key Dates for Bidders
The last date to raise queries is September 15, 2025, at 5 PM, while the pre-bid meeting will be held on September 16, 2025, at 11:30 AM in the office of the Municipal Commissioner, Haridwar.
The deadline for bid submission is September 29, 2025, at 5 PM. Technical bids will open on September 30, 2025, at 11:30 AM, while the date for financial bids will be announced later.
Rebuilding Trust with Pilgrims
For the civic body, this is about more than just a tender — it is about restoring public trust after years of questionable decisions.
“This time, only seasoned ropeway companies will be considered. Pilgrim safety is non-negotiable,” an official said.
If all goes to plan, the Mansa Devi ropeway — a vital link for pilgrims — may soon have a safer and more reliable future.
