Himachal Pradesh to Purchase Electric Buses and Develop Ropeways for Green State
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Shimla, July 31, 2024 — In a bid to strengthen the rural economy and promote sustainable transportation, the Himachal Pradesh government is set to purchase electric buses. The state’s efforts align with the goal of making Himachal Pradesh a clean and green state by March 31, 2026.
Role of Ropeways in Green Initiatives
Speaking at an event, Principal Secretary of Transport, R.D. Nazim, emphasized the importance of ropeways in achieving environmental goals. The government, in collaboration with the New Development Bank (NDB), is planning the Tara Devi to Shimla ropeway, with 80% funding from NDB and 20% from the state government. This project, costing Rs. 1734.40 crore, aims to alleviate traffic congestion in Shimla. Additionally, 44 charging stations have been established across the state, with 46 more in progress under the Parvatmala project, aiming to further enhance sustainable transport.
Himachal’s Identity Through Ropeways
Sanjay Gupta, Chairman and Managing Director of the Ropeway and Rapid Transport System Development Corporation, highlighted the state’s special focus on developing ropeways, which have attracted interest from stakeholders worldwide. Proposed ropeways include routes in Shimla, Dharamshala, Killar, Narkanda-Hatu Peak, Jabli-Kasauli, Shirgul Mahadev, and Pundrik Rishi Temple in Mandi district. These projects are expected to not only boost tourism but also improve local transportation.
Differentiated Fare Structure
The fare for the ropeways will vary between locals and tourists, ensuring affordability for residents. The state government will finalize the fare structure to avoid extra financial burden on the general public.
Capacity and Future Expansion
Initially, the ropeways will accommodate 1,000 people per hour in each direction, with plans to increase this capacity to 3,000 people by 2059, enabling a total of 6,000 travelers per hour. The proposed Shimla ropeway will span 60 kilometers, surpassing Bolivia’s 32-kilometer ropeway, currently the longest in the world.
Solar-Powered Gondolas
To enhance sustainability, the project will incorporate solar panels on gondolas and at station locations, maximizing the use of renewable energy.
Planned Stations
Stations will be constructed at various locations, including Tara Devi, Chakkar Court, Tutikandi Parking, New ISBT, 103 Tunnel, Railway Station, Victory Tunnel, Old Bus Stand, Lakkar Bazar, IGMC, Sanjauli, Navbahar, Secretariat, and near the Lift.
