By TravoUpdate
Shimla's ropeway project, the world's second-largest, is set to begin construction in March 2025, revolutionizing urban mobility in the hill city.
The project has a budget of INR 1734.70 crore and will cover a distance of 13.79 kilometers with one turning point and 13 boarding and de-boarding stations.
The primary goal of the ropeway is to reduce traffic congestion and improve transportation efficiency in the mountainous area.
The ropeway aims to provide an environmentally friendly transportation option for both locals and tourists in Shimla.
The Himachal government will cover 20% of the project's cost (approximately INR 346.94 crore), with the New Development Bank providing a loan for the remaining 80%.
By 2059, plans are in place to increase the ropeway's capacity from 2,000 passengers per hour to 6,000 passengers per hour for two-way travel.
The project is expected to create 250 direct jobs and over 20,000 indirect employment opportunities, significantly boosting the local economy.
The ropeway will have 13 stations, including Taradevi, Judicial Complex, Chakkar, Tutikandi, New ISBT, and Railway Station, providing broad accessibility across Shimla.
India has over 20 ropeways, with the world's longest ropeway (32 kilometers) located in Bolivia, South America. Globally, there are over 25,000 ropeways.
Chief Parliamentary Secretary Sunder Singh Thakur highlighted the ropeway as a significant step forward in Shimla's transportation development.