World's Second Largest Ropeway To Be Constructed In Shimla

Deputy Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, Mukesh Agnihotri, announced that the construction of the world's second-largest ropeway project in the state will begin on March 1, 2025. According to a statement, all the necessary documents for forest clearance under the Forest Clearance Act (FCA) have been uploaded to the portal. The project will include three route lines named Monal Line, Deodar Line, and Apple Line and will feature 15 stations. The fact-finding mission conducted by the New Development Bank took place from June 2 to June 10, and its consent was given on July 12. Mukesh Agnihotri, who also holds the transport and highways portfolio, provided this information. Formal approval is expected at the bank’s Board of Directors meeting, likely to be held in December 2024, he added.

The Details

Agnihotri mentioned that the fare for the ropeway route will be different for locals and tourists, and it will be determined by the state government. The Shimla Ropeway will cover a distance of 60 kilometers, with 20 percent of the project's cost of Rs 1,734.40 crore being funded by the government. Initially, the ropeway will have the capacity to transport 2,000 people per hour, which will increase to 6,000 for round-trip travel by 2059.

India has only 20 out of the 25,000 ropeways worldwide. Himachal Pradesh is leading in this, with the construction of the Baglamukhi Temple ropeway and the cabinet's approval of the Baba Balaknath Temple ropeway. The route will have 13 boarding stations: Taradevi, Judicial Complex, Chakkar, Tutikandi, New ISBT, Railway Station, Old ISBT, Lift, Chhota Shimla, Navbahar, Sanjauli, IGMC, Lakkar Bazaar, and 103 Tunnel. The project is expected to create direct employment for 250 people and indirect employment for over 20,000.

Chief Parliamentary Secretary Sunder Singh Thakur stated that the ropeways would help reduce congestion in the town and that the Bijili Mahadev Ropeway in Kullu would be a major achievement. Principal Secretary (Transport) R.D. Nazim mentioned that the Shimla Ropeway Project would be funded with an 80 percent loan from the New Development Bank, with the remaining 20 percent provided by the state government.

(With inputs from PTI)