JAMMU, Nov 29: A year after the tendering process began for the installation of the much-anticipated Peerkho-Mubarak Mandi Vertical Lift Project in November 2023, and despite multiple extensions in deadline since then, no bidder has shown interest in executing the project so far.
Conceived at a cost of Rs 25.07 crores and approved by the Administrative Council in September 2023, the project aimed to install a vertical lift connecting the historic Mubarak Mandi Heritage Complex with the Peerkho Station of the jammu Ropeway Project.
This connection was envisioned as part of a tourist and pilgrim circuit linking key destinations such as Peerkho Temple, Mahamaya Temple, Bahu Fort, Bagh-e-Bahu and Bawe Wali Mata Ji Temple.
The Administrative Council had highlighted the circuit’s potential to greatly benefit tourists and pilgrims visiting these popular spots.
However, more than a year since the announcement and one year after the issuance of the first tender in November 2023, repeated tenders floated by the J&K Cable Car Corporation have failed to interest any bidders in taking up the project.
To streamline the project’s execution, a consultant firm, Almondz Infra-Consultant Limited, was also hired by the J&K Cable Car Corporation.
However, this step has also yielded no results. The last tender, issued by the consultant firm in October 2024, has also expired without any bids. As such, the Corporation is now planning to call fresh bids again through the consultant firm hired for the purpose.
Rakesh Bhat, Assistant Manager and Incharge of the Jammu Ropeway Project, acknowledged the challenge, noting that the Peerkho-Mubarak Mandi Vertical Lift is a state-of-the-art and one of its kind project requiring specialized expertise, which could be a reason for the poor response to tenders.
He added that unlike earlier tenders, where no companies expressed interest, the November 2024 tender did spark queries from several potential bidders nationwide.
“These queries were addressed satisfactorily, but no company submitted a bid before the deadline,” he said.
As per the Detailed Project Report (DPR), the project, conceptualised with technical vetting from IIT-Jammu, is divided into two sections with vertical rises of 38 and 30 meters, respectively, and includes two footbridges spanning 34 and 30 meters.
The infrastructure will feature a Base Station, an Intermediate Station with parking, and an Upper Station with capsule-type cabins providing panoramic views.
Despite these advanced features, the lack of bidders continues to stall the project, leaving its future uncertain.
