Approved: Rs. 97.37 cr for Bhaleydhunga Skywalk & Rs.68.19 cr for Border Experience at Nathu La
GANGTOK, (PIB): The Government of India has approved 40 projects for the development of tourist sites in 23 States across the country. The total cost of these projects is Rs 3295 crore.
The projects have been sanctioned under the Scheme of Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) of the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India. The scheme aims to provide financial assistance to states for the development of tourist infrastructure and promotion of tourism in the country.
Sikkim is one of the States that will benefit from these projects. Two projects have been sanctioned for the State, including the Skywalk at Bhaleydunga, Yangang, Namchi, and the Border Experience at Nathu La.
Skywalk at Bhaleydunga, Yangang, Namchi
The project cost is Rs, 97.37 crore, and it is located at Bhaleydunga, Yangang, Namchi district.
Namchi, the headquarters of South Sikkim district, is an emerging tourist destination known for its spiritual significance and panoramic beauty. Yangang is one of the smallest sub-divisions in Namchi district, located at the foothills of Bhaleydhunga peak and surrounded by the Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary.
The project aims to develop a world-class Nature Appreciation Product to document Sikkim as an “ultimate eco-tourism destination.” The project entails the construction of a 240m long skywalk at an altitude of 3200m at Bhaleydhunga peak, accessible by a 3.5 km long ropeway and essential support facilities.
The project components include the construction of a circular glass-bottom walkway of 240 m walkways, out of which about 100 m will be beyond the edge of Bhaleydhunga supported by steel girder and cable arrangement. Additionally, a 100-150 m long funicular will take visitors from Bhaleydhunga ropeway upper terminal to skywalk, passing through the green lush forest of Meanam Wildlife Sanctuary. Basic amenities like medical room, acclimatization hall, office/operation room, etc., will also be constructed. Also 61 employment opportunities for locals are expected to be generated by this project.
Border Experience at Nathu La
The project cost is Rs, 68.19 crore, and it is located at Nathu La Pass, Sikkim. Nathul La Pass, situated at an altitude of 14,140 feet on the India-China border in the eastern Himalayas, is a significant geopolitical landmark and a popular tourist destination.
The project aims to develop comprehensive parking solutions and improve associated infrastructure to accommodate the growing number of visitors and military personnel at Nathu La Pass.
The project components include parking blocks, tourist information center, cafeteria, infirmary for medical assistance, toilet block, walkways, recreational spaces, and seating spaces. The project aims to develop 1,500 parking spaces, along with additional tourist amenities, to expand capacity, ease congestion, and enhance the overall visitor experience. Additionally this project is expected to generate approximately 30 employment opportunities for locals, stimulate the local economy, and enhance the overall tourist experience in Sikkim.
