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The construction of the world’s second-largest ropeway project, the 13.79-km Shimla Ropeway, is set to begin on March 1, 2025, aimed at alleviating congestion in the state capital of Shimla, according to Himachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri. The project will include 15 stations, designated as Monal Line, Deodar Line, and Apple Line. All necessary documents for forest clearance under the Forest Clearance Act (FCA) have been uploaded, as confirmed in a recent statement.
The New Development Bank conducted a fact-finding mission from June 2 to June 10 and granted its consent on July 12. Formal approval is anticipated at the banks Board of Directors meeting, expected in December 2024.
Agnihotri, who also oversees transport and highways, indicated that the fare structure will differentiate between locals and tourists, with rates set by the state government. The ropeway will span a 60-km area, with the government covering 20% of the Rs 1,734.40 crore project cost. Initially, it will accommodate 2,000 passengers per hour, with an eventual capacity of 6,000 passengers for two-way travel by 2059.
The world’s longest ropeway is a 32-km project in Bolivia, with about 25,000 ropeways globally. India currently has only 20. Himachal Pradesh is advancing in this sector with completed and approved projects, including the Baglamukhi Temple and the upcoming Baba Balaknath Temple ropeways.
The Shimla Ropeway will have 13 boarding stations, including Taradevi, Judicial Complex, Chakkar, Tutikandi, New ISBT, Railway Station, Old ISBT, Lift, Chhota Shimla, Navbahar, Sanjauli, IGMC, and Lakkar Bazaar. The project is expected to generate direct employment for 250 people and indirect employment for over 20,000.
Chief Parliamentary Secretary Sunder Singh Thakur emphasized the projects potential to ease town congestion, noting the Bijili Mahadev Ropeway in Kullu as a significant milestone. Principal Secretary (Transport) R.D. Nazim stated that the Shimla Ropeway Project will be financed by an 80% loan from the New Development Bank, with the remaining 20% contributed by the state government. |
