Shimla ropeway: Govt to complete formalities for funding of Rs 1,734 crore project

Shimla, September 11: The Himachal Pradesh government is set to expedite the formalities required for the ambitious Shimla ropeway project, which aims to decongest the city’s traffic and reduce carbon emissions. Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri held discussions with a three-member delegation of Shanghai’s New Development Bank (NDB) to ensure funding for the Rs 1,734.70 crore project.

During the meeting, the Deputy Chief Minister assured the NDB team that all the necessary documentation and procedures will be completed by the state government expeditiously. This will help the bank to pursue loan negotiations through the Department of Economic Affairs within the stipulated time frame.

“The Shimla ropeway project will not only ease the chronic traffic problems of the city but will also contribute significantly in reducing the carbon footprint, taking us closer to our goal of a green and clean Himachal,” Agnihotri said. He emphasized that the ropeway will provide a faster and more efficient mode of transport for both residents and tourists.

The NDB team led by Tony Nkuna, including Charmaine Kazamula and Garvit Sah, held detailed discussions with financial and technical experts, including the ropeway and Rapid Transport System Development Corporation (RTDC) Director Engineer Ajay Sharma. Following these discussions, the team is scheduled to visit the proposed stations of the innovative urban transport system.

The Shimla ropeway will have 13 boarding and deboarding stations along the 13.80 km route, designed to ease pressure on the road network in the hill capital. The total estimated cost of the project is Rs 1,734.70 crore.