Construction Of World's Second-largest Ropeway Project To Begin in Shimla in March 2025

Shimla: In a bid to alleviate the growing vehicular traffic issues in Shimla, the Ropeway and Rapid Transport System Development Corporation (RTDC) has embarked on an ambitious project to establish an urban transportation network via ropeways. The initiative, amounting to Rs. 1734.70 crore for a stretch of 13.79 kilometres with 13 boarding and de-boarding stations and one turning station, aims to revolutionise commuting in this hill resort city.

The construction of the world's second-largest ropeway project, the 13.79-km Shimla Ropeway Project aimed at decongesting the state capital Shimla, will commence on March 1, 2025, Himachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri said on Wednesday.

The Shimla Ropeway will cover a 60-km area, with the government bearing 20 per cent of the Rs 1,734.40 crore project cost. The ropeway will initially have the capacity to transport 2,000 persons per hour, increasing to 6,000 for two-way travel by 2059, the statement said.

The world's longest ropeway is a 32-km-long project in Bolivia, South America. There are approximately 25,000 ropeways worldwide, while India currently has only 20 ropeways.

Himachal Pradesh has taken the lead, with the Baglamukhi Temple ropeway already constructed and the Baba Balaknath Temple ropeway approved by the cabinet, Agnihotri said.

Thirteen boarding stations have been identified along the route -- Taradevi, Judicial Complex, Chakkar, Tutikandi, New ISBT, Railway Station, Old ISBT, Lift, Chhota Shimla, Navbahar, Sanjauli, IGMC, Lakkar Bazaar and 103 Tunnel, the statement said.

The project will employ Mono Cable Detachable (MDG) Gondola technology, known for its safety and efficiency, ensuring a final capacity of 3,000 persons per hour per direction (PPHD). It will complement existing transport infrastructure, offering seamless first and last-mile connectivity across Shimla.

(With Inputs from Agencies)