The Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department has announced the development of ropeway projects at two prominent religious sites—Maharishi Valmiki Ashram in Chitrakoot and Siddh Baba Temple on Gorakh Giri hill in Mahoba—as part of the first phase of its ropeway connectivity initiative aimed at boosting religious and heritage tourism.
Land identification for the two sites has been completed, with 8,920 square meters marked for the Chitrakoot project and 9,750 square meters for Mahoba. The ropeways are expected to enhance access to these significant locations, particularly for elderly and differently-abled pilgrims.
UP Tourism Minister Jaiveer Singh said the initiative is part of a broader plan to integrate modern infrastructure with the state’s rich cultural and religious heritage. “Chitrakoot and Mahoba are of immense spiritual significance. Our goal is to provide year-round, safe, and easy access to these destinations for pilgrims and tourists alike,” he said.
The Maharishi Valmiki Ashram is a key mythological site associated with the Ramayana, believed to be where Sage Valmiki composed the epic and where Sita resided during her exile. The Siddh Baba Temple, located atop Gorakh Giri hill in Mahoba, attracts thousands of devotees but remains challenging to access due to the hilly terrain.
Uttar Pradesh has emerged as a top-performing state in domestic tourism in recent years. According to official data, the state welcomed 48 crore tourists in 2023–24, which rose to 64 crore in 2024–25. The state government is positioning tourism as a cornerstone of its economic development plan, aimed at transforming Uttar Pradesh into a $1 trillion economy.
Tourism officials said that the department is actively identifying additional religious and cultural locations for potential ropeway connectivity. The planning process includes assessments of local geography, weather patterns, seismic activity, and tourist flow to ensure safe and effective implementation.
“Each site is being studied carefully to ensure the ropeways are not only functional but also environmentally sustainable and suited to local conditions,” said a senior department official.
The government believes the new infrastructure will not only improve the tourist experience but also generate employment and stimulate local economies. Community involvement and stakeholder consultations are expected to be part of the planning process.
Further announcements on the expansion of the ropeway initiative to other sites across the state are expected in the coming months.
