Shimla Soon To Get Urban Ropeway As Himachal Pradesh Sees Bids For Rs 2,100 Crore For World’s Second Longest Ropeway

Shimla is poised to witness a major leap in urban transport as the Rs 2,100 crore Innovative Urban Ropeway project inches closer to reality.

The Himachal Pradesh government has received two bids for the ambitious project, which will be implemented through the public-private partnership (PPP) model, according to The Tribute report.

Billed as the second-longest urban ropeway in the world after La Paz in Bolivia, the project will span 13.65 km and feature 13 boarding and de-boarding stations, connecting key parts of the hill town.

Originally estimated at Rs 1,555 crore in 2022, the project cost has now surged due to inflation and design refinements.

Ajay Sharma, Director of the Ropeways and Rapid Transport System Development Corporation, confirmed, “We have received bids from two companies — Vishwa Samudra and Bridge and Roof — for executing the Shimla urban ropeway project. Bridge and Roof, a Government of India undertaking, has been disqualified on technical grounds.”

With a capacity to transport 3,000 people per hour per direction, the ropeway will use state-of-the-art mono cable detachable gondola technology, with each cabin accommodating 10 passengers.

Authorities hope this will significantly reduce traffic congestion, particularly during peak hours, and curb the inflow of tourist vehicles into the city.

Initially considered for funding by the New Development Bank, the project was eventually shifted to the PPP route. Apart from improving mobility, the ropeway is expected to become a major tourist attraction.

Meanwhile, the deadline for another massive ropeway project between Parwanoo and Shimla stretching over 40.73 km and estimated at Rs 5,571.91 crore has been extended to 7 July.

We have received a lot of queries from interested bidders, Sharma noted, explaining the extension.

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