Tenders For India’s Largest Ropeway In Shimla To Open Soon, Set To Be World’s Second Biggest

Tenders for the ambitious Shimla Ropeway Project are set to open shortly after Diwali, Himachal Pradesh's Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri announced during a press conference on Thursday (24 October).

The project, designed to ease traffic congestion and boost tourism, has received the green light from the New Development Bank, the funding agency, to proceed with tendering.

Agnihotri stated "The Shimla Ropeway will be the largest of its kind in India and the second largest globally after Bolivia," he said.

Spanning 14 kilometers, the ropeway is designed to alleviate Shimla’s notorious traffic congestion, creating direct employment for 250 individuals and indirect opportunities for over 20,000 residents.

This state-of-the-art system will feature 660 trolleys across 13 strategically placed stations, accommodating up to 6,000 passengers per hour. With an estimated budget of Rs 1,734 crore, the project’s Detailed Project Report (DPR) has been completed by a foreign consultant funded by the state government.

"The Shimla Ropeway is not only a response to peak season traffic challenges but a key driver in positioning Shimla as an international tourist destination," he added, underscoring the project's focus on enhancing the visitor experience while preserving the region’s natural beauty, reports Financial Express.

The Shimla Ropeway will have 13 boarding stations, including Taradevi, Judicial Complex, Chakkar, Tutikandi, New ISBT, Railway Station, Old ISBT, Lift, Chhota Shimla, Navbahar, Sanjauli, IGMC, Lakkar Bazaar, and 103 Tunnel.

Globally, there are approximately 25,000 ropeways, while India has only 20. Himachal Pradesh is leading in this, with the Baglamukhi Temple ropeway already operational and the Baba Balaknath Temple ropeway recently approved by the cabinet.

Significance of Project

Known as the 'Queen of Hill Stations,' Shimla has become a multifunctional city along with the dominance of tourism, administrative and institutional activities. As a result of the increased urbanisation in and around hill cities, Shimla is currently experiencing issues with traffic.

Shimla, the capital city of Himachal Pradesh, has a population of about 3.08 lakh with an annual tourist influx of around 40 lakhs. 

During the peak tourist season, the city witnesses over 10,000 vehicles, while its infrastructure caters to only 2,500 vehicles.

The innovative ropeway project would be a game changer with tourists parking their vehicles at the entry point of Shimla and boarding the ropeway network. This eco-friendly mode of transportation will be a carbon-neutral project.