Shimla to Launch World's Second-Largest Ropeway for Decongestion

The Shimla Ropeway Project, the world's second-largest ropeway, will begin construction on March 1, 2025, to ease congestion in Shimla. With 15 stations across a 13.79-km route, the project is expected to provide direct and indirect employment and improve urban transport. The project cost is Rs 1,734.40 crore.

Construction of the world's second-largest ropeway project, the 13.79-km Shimla Ropeway Project, will commence on March 1, 2025. The project aims to decongest the state capital Shimla, Himachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri announced on Wednesday.

A statement issued detailed that all documents for forest clearance under the Forest Clearance Act have been uploaded to the portal. The ropeway route, which will comprise 15 stations, has been designated as Monal Line, Deodar Line, and Apple Line.

The New Development Bank's fact-finding mission, after conducting inspections from June 2 to June 10, has given its consent on July 12. Formal approval is anticipated in December 2024 at the Bank's Board of Directors meeting.

As the chief guest at a symposium on New Urban Transport system, Agnihotri highlighted that the fare for the ropeway route will vary for locals and tourists and will be decided by the state government.

Covering a 60-km area, the government will shoulder 20 percent of the Rs 1,734.40 crore project cost. Initially, the ropeway will transport 2,000 persons per hour, increasing to 6,000 by 2059.

Thirteen boarding stations have been identified, including 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 provide direct employment to 250 people and indirect employment to over 20,000 individuals.

Chief Parliamentary Secretary Sunder Singh Thakur noted that the ropeways would ease congestion, and Principal Secretary (Transport) R D Nazim stated that the project is primarily financed by an 80 percent loan from the New Development Bank, with the remainder funded by the state government.

(With inputs from agencies.)