The government of Himachal Pradesh is set to develop a ropeway transport project in the capital city Shimla, aiming to alleviate the growing traffic congestion. This project is poised to be the world’s second-largest ropeway transport project, with the largest one currently situated in Bolivia, South America, spanning 32 kilometres. The estimated cost of this ambitious project is INR 1,555 crore, and the state government has completed all formalities, awaiting clearance from the Forest Department, which is expected within the next 2 to 3 months.
Mukesh Agnihotri, the Deputy Chief Minister, revealed during a press conference in Shimla that nearly all formalities related to the ropeway transport project have been completed. However, clearance from the Forest Department is still pending. The Forest Clearance (FC) is anticipated to be obtained in the next 2 to 3 months. Agnihotri stated that the project is set to commence in October 2024. The ropeway transport project aims to address traffic congestion in Shimla, covering a distance of 13.79 kilometres.
The project will include 13 stations along its route. In the initial phase, 222 cabins will be installed, and upon completion, the system will have a total of 660 cabins. Each cabin will have the capacity to accommodate 8 to 10 passengers, and cabins will be available for passengers at the stations within 2 to 3 minutes. The project is being developed with the assistance of the New Development Bank (NDB) on a public-private partnership (PPP) model, where the state government’s equity will be 20%, and the rest will be funded through grants and loans. The Detailed Project Report (DPR) has been prepared and handed over to the NDB.
Mukesh Agnihotri outlined that the ropeway transport project aims to complete the first phase within 5 years, with the project set to kick off in the next 2 and a half years. The tendering process for the first phase is expected to begin soon, with the participation of major global companies. The Technical Sanction Certificate (TSC) is anticipated by December 15, and the application for Forest Clearance is also scheduled to be submitted by the same date. The entire tendering process and tripartite negotiations are aimed to be completed by March 31, 2024.The project will have 13 stations, starting from Tara Devi and covering locations such as the Judicial Complex, Tutikandi Parking, New ISBT Tutikandi, Railway Station, Old ISBT, Lift, Secretariat, New Bohar, Sanjauli, IGMC, Ice Skating Rink, and finally, Sissu Hotel Chaura Maidan. The government has already disbursed the full amount to the Ropeway and Rapid Transport System Development Corporation for this project.This ropeway transport project in Shimla is designed to address the city’s traffic concerns for the next 40 years, considering its expected growth.
