Jehanabad: A second ropeway in Bihar is nearing completion in Jehanabad district, with officials saying the project—built at a cost of Rs 24 crore—is in its final stages and expected to be operational in the coming months.
The ropeway, designed to connect the Hathiyabor area to the summit near the Siddheshwar Nath Temple on Banavar Hill, is intended to improve access to the 100-foot-high hilltop, which currently requires a steep uphill walk. Authorities say around 90% of the construction work has been completed, with finishing work on stations and cable installation now underway. Trial runs for the cable cars are expected soon.
Once operational, the ropeway will carry eight to ten passengers per cabin and significantly reduce travel time to the hilltop to just a few minutes.
Officials involved in the project said both the lower and upper stations are nearly complete, all four support towers have been installed, and the holding structure has been built. The project is now in its final phase after delays linked to forest clearance and local-level issues since its foundation stone was laid in 2015. Construction resumed in earnest in October 2022.
The ropeway is being developed along two alignments to improve safety and operational efficiency.
Planners hope the project will strengthen tourism in the region by integrating Banavar into Bihar’s wider religious and heritage circuit, which includes destinations such as Bodh Gaya and Rajgir, where the state’s existing ropeway operates. Officials expect increased visitor numbers to generate employment opportunities for residents of the area.
Banavar Hill is home to Mauryan-era rock-cut caves and the Siddhanath Temple, which attracts large numbers of devotees, particularly during the Hindu month of Sawan, when ritual water offerings are performed in large numbers. Authorities anticipate that improved access will further increase footfall at the site.
At present, pilgrims and tourists must climb the hill on foot, a journey considered difficult for elderly visitors and children. Officials say the ropeway will make the site more accessible while also offering panoramic views of the Falgu River and surrounding landscape.
The project is also expected to support local economic activity, with increased tourism likely to benefit small businesses in the surrounding area.
