Unique slope train links twin resorts at Chorla Ghat

Former chief minister Pratapsing Rane inaugurated the project in presence of Vijaya Devi Rane, Lokamanya Coop Society Chairman Kiran Thakur, Pandurang Dhond and others. Capt Nitin Dhond, Managing Director of Swapnagandha Resorts Pvt Ltd, who has conceptualised and implemented the project told The Goan that this is the first of its kind indigenously designed project in India offering an exclusive experience of viewing the Western Ghats region through the tree canopy.

“Apart from a beautiful sunset and cascading waterfalls, one can view Panaji City and the Arabian Sea from the highest point of the slope train. This model can be replicated across Goa as well as India to solve forest access issues as well as provide forest canopy views for eco-tourists without disturbing the habitats,” he added.The slope train has been constructed and installed by Rachana Infotech, Belagavi, and is the first indigenously designed operational slope train in India.

“This is team work executed with grit and determination and has been successfully implemented by the Rachana Infotech team,” acknowledged Capt Dhond. This slope train covers about 110 metres through forest canopy providing 360 view of the VazraSakla falls and the Mhadei wildlife sanctuary. The rare Slender Loris, Great Pied hornbill and other rare species of wildlife are sighted in this part of the forests, he added.

Pratapsing Rane, who lauded the initiative, travelled in the train and emphasised the need for a long-term vision on hinterland-based tourism. Kiran Thakur said this slope train concept can further be utilised in areas which are inaccessible by road or are in sensitive forest habitats across the country.The Contractor Govind Sarkar, ecologist & director of Swapnagandha Nirmal Kulkarni, Sanjay Kulkarni, Abhay Tendulkar, Rajesh Verekar, Raman Kamat and others were present. Further details of the slope train are available by email ([email protected]).