Himachal Pradesh Unveils Ambitious Shimla Ropeway Project, Set to be World’s Longest by 2029
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Shimla, December 8 : In a significant move towards bolstering connectivity and promoting tourism, the Himachal Pradesh government, under the visionary leadership of Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri, announced the ambitious Shimla Ropeway Project, slated to become the world’s longest ropeway by 2029. The announcement came during a press conference held at the secretariat on Friday, where Deputy Chief Minister Agnihotri provided detailed insights into the groundbreaking project.
The Shimla Ropeway, a colossal undertaking with an estimated cost of 1,555 crores, will span an impressive 13.79 kilometers and feature 13 stations. Deputy Chief Minister Agnihotri emphasized that upon completion, the ropeway will offer a convenient and cost-effective alternative for commuters, allowing everyone to travel comfortably at affordable rates.
The project, designed to alleviate traffic congestion in the capital city, will boast a fleet of 660 cabins, ensuring a frequency of 2 to 3 minutes between each cabin. The ropeway will be color-coded similar to metro lines, with red, green, and blue lines, facilitating easy interchange for passengers based on their destination.
Deputy Chief Minister Agnihotri outlined the project’s timeline, stating that global tenders for construction will be initiated before March 31, with all formalities expected to be completed by October of the following year. The first phase of the project aims to complete construction and commence operations with 250 cabins within three years. Funding for the project will be facilitated through financial assistance from the New Development Bank of China.
The project is expected to generate direct employment opportunities for approximately 250 individuals, further contributing to the economic development of the region. The ropeway is anticipated to be a game-changer for Shimla, not only in terms of enhanced connectivity but also as a major tourist attraction.
Deputy Chief Minister Agnihotri went on to reveal another groundbreaking proposal for a nuclear-powered ropeway from Parwanoo to Shimla, covering a distance of 38 kilometers at an estimated cost of 6,800 crores. This extensive project is intended to connect various religious and tourist destinations, fostering tourism and economic development in the state.
However, Deputy Chief Minister Agnihotri expressed disappointment at the central government’s decision to halt financial assistance of around 2,500 crores for various proposals, citing political motives as the reason behind the move.
In a separate meeting, the Deputy Chief Minister discussed crucial issues related to the water and transport departments with top officials, urging them to expedite pending projects and ensure timely completion. He emphasized the strategic importance of Shimla in the overall development of Himachal Pradesh and stressed the need to maintain the momentum of progress in the region.
The announcements made by Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri underscore the government’s commitment to transformative infrastructure development, positioning Himachal Pradesh as a frontrunner in sustainable and advanced transportation systems on the global stage.
