Ponmudi–Brymore ropeway project stalled despite ₹50 lakh budget allocation for feasibility study

Palode: One year after the budget allotment of ₹50 lakh for a feasibility study to implement a ropeway project connecting Ponmudi and Brymore in the hilly region of Thiruvananthapuram, the only follow-up has been a single meeting.

The LDF’s election manifesto for 2016 had included the Ponmudi–Brymore ropeway along with the renovation of the erstwhile Brymore–Ponmudi horse track as part of a plan to convert the Peringamala–Brymore region into a major tourism destination linked with Ponmudi. The manifesto had also promised a tourism package connecting Ponmudi, Brymore, Meenmutty, the Botanical Garden at Palode, and the Oil Palm Research Centre, as well as a tourism hub covering Kovalam, Varkala, and the Ponmudi tourism centre. However, none of these promises have been fulfilled even in the final year of the second LDF ministry.

Incidentally, Manorama had published a series of reports on this issue, following which the government announced the budget allocation of ₹50 lakh to conduct a feasibility survey. However, the study has made no progress so far.

Once the project receives environmental clearance, Peringamala panchayat, where Ponmudi is located, along with neighbouring panchayats such as Vithura, is expected to witness rapid development and a surge in tourism-related activities. The Mankayam ecotourism centre nearby could also attract more visitors.

Local residents said the renovation of the horse track built by the erstwhile British rulers would boost adventure tourism in the area. Responding to the issue, the MLA’s office said the first meeting related to the ropeway feasibility study had already been held, and further measures would be decided by a high-power committee.