Pune’s Parvati Ropeway Plan Revived After 30 Years; 850-Metre Route From Peshwe Park Proposed
Reported by Mubarak Ansari
Pune, 18th August 2026: A ropeway project connecting Peshwe Park near Sarasbaug to the rear side of the Parvati temple complex, which had remained stalled for nearly three decades amid political opposition, is now set to be revived in a new form. The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has begun the process of appointing a consultant for the proposed project.
The proposed ropeway is expected to cover around 850 metres and provide an alternative route to Parvati Hill, particularly for senior citizens, children and people who may find it difficult to climb the steps leading to the hilltop.
Parvati Hill is a popular recreational and religious destination in Pune, with thousands of residents visiting the hill every morning and evening. At the same time, the hill has remained a matter of concern for citizens seeking to protect its greenery and prevent encroachments, excavation and other forms of development that could affect its natural character.
Pune also attracts tourists to historical and religious sites such as Shaniwar Wada, Sarasbaug, Pataleshwar, Aga Khan Palace and Parvati Hill. The civic administration has been promoting initiatives such as heritage walks and Pune Darshan, while the ropeway is being considered as a potential new attraction and mode of access.
No threat to temples or trees, says PMC official
Standing Committee chairman Shrinath Bhimale said the current proposal would not affect the temples or require tree cutting.
“The ropeway from Peshwe Park to Parvati Devsthan has been proposed in the PMC budget. The construction of the ropeway will not pose any threat to the Ganpati temple or Parvati temple. There will be no need to cut trees. Shri Devdeveshwar Sansthan has given its approval for the project.”— Shrinath Bhimale, Standing Committee Chairman
Alternative access to Parvati Hill
Parvati Hill rises around 300 feet above the city’s average elevation and has more than 100 steps leading to the summit. The hilltop houses several temples in the Shri Devdeveshwar Sansthan complex, including temples dedicated to Devdeveshwar, Kartikeya Swami, Vishnu, Vitthal-Rukmini, Ganpati and Shiv Panchayatan.
The proposed ropeway could make the hilltop more accessible to people who are unable to climb the steps. Besides facilitating temple visits, it could also allow visitors to experience the greenery of the hill and panoramic views of Pune.
850-metre ropeway proposed
The ropeway is proposed to run from Peshwe Park near Sarasbaug to the rear side of the Parvati temple complex, covering approximately 850 metres.
The PMC has made a provision of Rs 10 crore for the project in its budget. A consultant will be appointed to conduct the technical, financial and environmental assessment and prepare a detailed project plan.
The civic body has initiated the tendering process for appointing the consultant. Once appointed, the consultant is expected to prepare the project plan within 60 days.
Earlier project faced political opposition
The earlier Sarasbaug-Parvati ropeway proposal had been included in the PMC’s development plan. After tenders were invited, the work was awarded to Bombay Cable Car Company.
Then Rajya Sabha MP Suresh Kalmadi had strongly advocated the project. However, opponents raised concerns that the ropeway could affect the Garware Bal Bhavan premises and that the sports zone in the area could be converted into a commercial zone.
The proposal faced opposition from a section of Congress as well, with concerns that the project would increase congestion and affect the city’s landscape. Councillors opposed to Kalmadi, along with other opponents, eventually defeated the proposal in the PMC’s General Body.
The contractor subsequently approached the court seeking compensation from the civic body. The legal dispute continued for several years before the court ruled in favour of the PMC, bringing the matter to an end.
