Touted as the highest cable car in Asia by the State’s tourism department, the Joshimath-Auli ropeway continues to suffer due to inadequacies and efficiency issues to the detriment of tourism in Uttarakhand.

The stark reality of protracted inefficiency and irresponsible attitude of the officials concerned is exemplified at tower number eight of this ropeway, where a lift installed about two decades ago has not yet started operating much to the inconvenience of visitors.

The Joshimath-Auli ropeway has elicited public attention more for the recurring problems, including mechanical issues that have prevented the ropeway facility from operating smoothly as desired. While the State Government claims to have undertaken various measures to revive tourism activity after the June 2013 disaster, the authorities concerned have not been able to start operation of tower number eight lift in a period of about 20 years since the ropeway was set up.

Due to the protracted inoperative state of the lift, the visitors have to use the stairs instead, which may be difficult for some, especially the elderly. The lift facility was installed in this tower at the time of the ropeway being set up and has since been non-functional. Earlier, in February this year, the issue concerning the protracted inoperative state of the lift had also been raised during Uttarakhand Governor Krishan Kant Paul’s visit to Auli. However, the departmental officials seem to have maintained an apathetic attitude and so far have not done the needful for regular operation of the lift as also directed by the governor. Tourists arriving here have to pay tariff of Rs750  each to reach Auli  are using the ropeway  but they are not being provided much in terms of facilities expected.

Observers question the reason for the lift not being made operational yet more than twenty years after its installation at tower number eight of the Joshimath-Auli ropeway which covers a length of about four kilometres.