India is on the brink of launching its first and longest sea ropeway project. This ambitious initiative, which will connect Mumbai with the Elephanta Caves, is slated to commence operations by the end of 2019. The 8-kilometre ropeway will start from Sewri on Mumbai’s east coast and terminate at Elephanta Island in Raigad district.
The Rationale Behind the Project
The Elephanta Caves draw approximately seven lakh visitors each year, making them one of the most popular tourist sites in the vicinity of Mumbai. At present, reaching the caves requires an hour-long, 10-kilometre cruise from Mumbai. The sea ropeway project will significantly reduce this travel time with a 14-minute journey via 30-seater cable cars, expected to provide a significant boost to tourism.
Project Funding and Execution
The sea ropeway is projected to cost Rs. 700 crore. It will be a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) executed by the Mumbai Port Trust under the Ministry of Shipping.
About the Elephanta Caves
The Elephanta Caves, which are situated on the Elephanta Islands in the Arabian Sea off Mumbai, were declared a world heritage site by UNESCO in 1987. Locals refer to them as the Gharapuri Caves, and they date back to the mid-5th to 6th centuries AD.
There are seven caves in total, housing some of India’s most remarkable rock-art collections. These caves are divided into two groups: two caves (one unfinished) and several cisterns on Stupa Hill to the east, and a larger group of five rock-cut Hindu shrines to the west.
The largest cave, known for its ornate carvings that glorify various forms and actions of Shiva, has a square plan mandapa with sides that are approximately 27 metres long.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Project Name | India’s First Sea Ropeway |
| Ropeway Length | 8 km |
| Start Point | Sewri, Mumbai’s east coast |
| End Point | Elephanta Island, Raigad district |
| Current Travel Time to Caves | Approx. 1 hour by cruise |
| New Travel Time Post Ropeway | 14 minutes |
| Capacity of Cable Cars | 30 passengers |
| Project Cost | Rs. 700 crore |
| Project Executor | Mumbai Port Trust |
| Ministry Overseeing Project | Ministry of Shipping |
A Glimpse Into the Past: The History and Importance of the Elephanta Caves
The Elephanta Caves have a storied past that is intricately tied with Indian history and culture. Their location, the exquisite rock art they house, and the diverse themes they represent make them an invaluable cultural asset, not just for India, but for the world at large.