Construction of the much-anticipated ropeway project connecting key points across the Sangam in Prayagraj has officially begun, bringing relief to residents and stakeholders after years of planning delays. The project has entered its execution phase with active construction work underway in the Arail area near Triveni Pushp.
At present, pillars for the first ropeway station are being erected, signalling tangible progress on a project that has long remained on paper due to administrative and land-related challenges.
The Sangam ropeway project is estimated to cost Rs 210 crore and is being implemented by the National Highways Logistics Management Limited, a subsidiary of the National Highways Authority of India. The construction responsibility has been awarded to Rajasthan-based Ravi Infra Build, which will also operate the ropeway after completion under the agreed concession terms.
As per the funding structure, NHLML will bear 60 percent of the total project cost, while the remaining 40 percent will be invested by the private concessionaire. Officials said the public-private partnership model is aimed at ensuring timely completion and sustainable operation of the facility.
Once completed, the ropeway will connect Arail with Parade, significantly easing travel across the Sangam. The project is expected to enhance connectivity for pilgrims visiting the Triveni Sangam, tourists exploring the city, and local residents who currently rely on road routes or boats to cross the river.
Stations are planned at both ends of the river, allowing for smooth passenger movement while offering panoramic views of the Sangam area, which is among the most visited religious sites in the country.
Officials clarified that construction activity along the Sangam riverbank in the Kachhar area will begin only after the conclusion of Magh Mela 2026. The decision has been taken to avoid any disruption during the annual religious congregation, which draws lakhs of devotees.
Similarly, work at the Sangam ghat itself will commence after the mela concludes, ensuring that religious rituals, crowd movement, and temporary infrastructure related to the event remain unaffected.
The project had earlier faced a major hurdle on the Parade side, where Ravi Infra Build had begun preparatory work and set up a construction camp on October 26. However, the Army intervened and halted the activity, citing the absence of approval to undertake construction on defence land.
Following this, authorities revised the execution plan and decided to initiate construction from the Arail side instead, allowing the project to move forward while discussions with defence authorities continued.
Recent meetings between Army officials and district administration have resulted in a tentative understanding. Under the proposed arrangement, land of equivalent value will be provided to the Army in exchange for the defence land required for the ropeway project.
Officials indicated that a formal Memorandum of Understanding is expected to be signed to finalise the land exchange, which would clear the way for construction to proceed smoothly on the Parade side as well.
The Sangam ropeway project is expected to be completed within a period of two years. Once operational, it is likely to become a major infrastructure asset for Prayagraj, reducing travel time, easing congestion, and adding a new dimension to religious and tourism experiences in the city.
