LATEST NEWS: ADANI GROUP EVINCES INTEREST IN PROPOSED KURSEONG–DARJEELING ROPEWAY PROJECT IN WEST BENGAL

LATEST NEWS: ADANI GROUP EVINCES INTEREST IN PROPOSED KURSEONG–DARJEELING ROPEWAY PROJECT IN WEST BENGAL

TTT NEWS NETWORK

KOLKATA | 26 SEPTEMBER 2026

In a major push for West Bengal’s tourism sector, the Adani Group has reportedly shown keen interest in constructing a massive 25-to-30-kilometre ropeway link between Kurseong and Darjeeling. The initiative, driven by the West Bengal Tourism Department, aims to create a new horizon for transit and travel in the hills.

According to sources, the proposal was discussed on last Thursday during a high-level meeting in Kolkata between the Chairman of the Adani Group and Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari. Sources said that once West Bengal Tourism Department floats a tender the Adani Group will likely  participate in the bidding process.

Massive Boost to Capacity and Speed:

While the technical blueprint is yet to be finalised, initial assessments suggest the ropeway could transport between 800 and 1,800 passengers per hour, depending on the technology deployed. The aerial system is expected to cut travel time significantly, taking less than half the time currently required to cover the 30-kilometre distance by road.

Government sources emphasized that official tenders will be floated in compliance with regulatory norms only after the project receives formal administrative approval. Decisions regarding the exact route, station locations, technical infrastructure, total investment, and construction deadlines are currently under review.

A Green Alternative for the Hills:

Currently, tourists traveling from Kurseong to Darjeeling rely entirely on the Hill Cart Road and alternative mountainous routes. Local experts note that the proposed ropeway would serve as a crucial alternative transit system. By shifting passenger traffic to the air, the project is expected to drastically ease vehicular congestion on fragile mountain roads, resolve chronic traffic jams, and significantly curb environmental pollution in the region.

In a major boost to pilgrimage and hill tourism, Adani Enterprises Ltd. is executing the Rs.4,081 crore Sonprayag-to-Kedarnath ropeway project in Uttarakhand, while similar infrastructure developments are being planned for West Bengal’s hills following a high-level meeting between state  Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari  and industrialist Gautam Adani.

The 12.9 km Uttarakhand ropeway, being built under the central government’s Parvatmala Pariyojana, will drastically reduce the arduous 8-to-9-hour uphill trek to a swift 36-minute journey. The state-of-the-art project will enhance safety, ease emergency evacuations, and carry up to 1,800 passengers per hour in each direction.

Inspired by this model, a new horizon is opening up for the hills of North Bengal. Following strategic talks between the West Bengal Chief Minister and Gautam Adani, proposals have been raised to revamp the tourism and communication infrastructure of the region. Under the proposed plan, Kurseong is poised to be declared a critical transit gateway, unlocking massive potential for new eco-tourism services, high-altitude connectivity, and regional employment.