Mandi's Mata Baglamukhi Ropeway Transferred to Private Operator Amid Fare Hikes

The Mata Baglamukhi ropeway in Mandi has transitioned to private management under Ski Himalayas, resulting in increased fares and new charges for goods. This operational shift aims to reduce the financial burden on the state but has sparked significant opposition from local residents who rely on the ropeway for essential connectivity. Community leaders are calling for the restoration of previous concessional fares until critical infrastructure is improved. Read on to learn more about the implications of this change and the community's response.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 3, 2026, 14:56 IST

Operational Transition of Mata Baglamukhi Ropeway

Munish Sood
Mandi

In a notable change, the Mata Baglamukhi ropeway located in Pandoh, Mandi district, has been handed over from the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (RTDC) to a private entity, Ski Himalayas. This strategic shift aims to streamline management and alleviate the financial strain on the state, but it has also led to increased user fees, raising concerns among local residents and stakeholders.

New Operational Structure

Previously, RTDC managed the operations while incurring costs of approximately ₹15 lakh monthly for maintenance through a private agency. Under the new arrangement, the private operator will assume all operational expenses, including electricity, fuel, and maintenance.

In exchange, the operator will remit an annual concession fee of ₹27.14 lakh to RTDC, with a clause for a 10% annual increment. Officials have indicated that this revised framework is a response to escalating operational costs and the necessity for sustainable management.

Fare Adjustments and Additional Charges

As a result of this transition, the fare for passengers has risen from ₹350 to ₹400. The previously available concessions for nine local administrative units during the 2025 disaster period have now been limited to just three units, requiring residents from other areas to pay the full fare.

Moreover, new charges have been introduced for transporting goods. Passengers will incur a fee of ₹30 for luggage weighing up to 30 kilograms, with an additional charge of ₹1 per kilogram for excess weight. Transporting fuel-related items, such as gas cylinders and diesel, will cost ₹2 per litre.

Community Response and Calls for Relief

This decision has sparked significant backlash from local residents and community leaders. They contend that the Bakhali–Kuklah road remains partially damaged and is frequently disrupted by rain, making the ropeway an essential route for daily travel.

Residents are urging that the previous concessional fares, including the heavily subsidized ₹50 ticket, should remain in effect until vital infrastructure, particularly the proposed bridge and road access to Kuklah, is fully restored.

Community representatives have also voiced concerns that the fare increase during the peak pilgrimage and tourism season adds an extra burden on both visitors and locals who rely on the ropeway for crucial connectivity. They are advocating for a reassessment of this decision.