SRINAGAR: The much-awaited Seoj Dhar Cable Car in Bhaderwah has been identified as one of the five priority ropeway projects under the Government of India’s Parvatmala Pariyojana, to be executed jointly by the National Highways Logistics Management Limited (NHLML) and the Jammu and Kashmir government. The 7-km ropeway, planned to connect Bhaderwah town with the scenic alpine meadows of Seoj Dhar, is expected to become a key tourism draw in the Chenab Valley once operational.
According to the Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Department, the ropeway’s implementation has been assigned to NHLML under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. The draft agreement between NHLML and the jammu and Kashmir government, signed on April 23, 2022, is presently under financial and environmental review. The Finance Department has sought clarifications on environmental aspects, which have been examined at the departmental level. Officials said the modalities for creating a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) are being finalised, after which statutory clearances, including forest and environmental approvals, will be initiated.
The project is part of the central government’s push to develop ropeway infrastructure in hilly states to improve connectivity and boost tourism. The Seoj Dhar Cable Car, once completed, will offer tourists an aerial view of the Doda–Bhaderwah landscape and shorten travel time to high-altitude pastures, which are otherwise accessible only through a difficult mountain trek.
The Bhaderwah Development Authority (BDA), which oversees tourism development in the region, was created in 2005 and now covers 159 villages spread over 1,239.66 square kilometres, including large tracts of forest and state land. Since its inception, BDA has built tourist infrastructure such as resorts, youth hostels, amusement parks, restaurants, and pilgrim lodges at destinations including Gatha, Jai Valley, Khalleni, and Bhalessa. The authority has also organised cultural and adventure events, including snow and tourism festivals, to promote the region’s growing reputation as “Mini Kashmir.”
In 2025–26, the BDA has taken up several upgradation projects under the Capex Budget, including improvement of tourist huts and roads leading to Jai Valley and Gatha, construction of new toilet complexes, renovation of resorts at Pul Doda and Teligarh, and the purchase of snow bikes for winter tourism. Work on the Tourist Reception Centre at Gandoh is also under progress.
The Bhaderwah Development Authority currently functions with 14 sanctioned posts, of which nine are filled. Officials said efforts are being made to strengthen manpower and accelerate ongoing works to meet the targets under the new tourism roadmap.
Once the Seoj Dhar Cable Car becomes operational, it is expected to significantly expand Bhaderwah’s tourist circuit and integrate it more closely with national adventure tourism networks under the Parvatmala initiative.
