Jakhu Temple’s Free Escalator Service Ends, Rs 20 Ticket Fee Introduced

Shimla: The free escalator service at the famous Jakhu Hanuman temple in Shimla has come to an end, as the government has approved the implementation of a ticket system. After operating without a charge for about nine months, the escalator will now require devotees to purchase a Rs 20 ticket for a round-trip ride.

The decision follows a proposal by the Ropeway Corporation to introduce the fee in order to cover the operating costs of the escalator. A ticket counter has been set up near the temple’s main gate, and staff members have been deployed to issue tickets. Starting this week, devotees wishing to use the escalator to reach the temple will need to buy a ticket at the cost of Rs 20.

The escalator will remain operational from 9:00 AM daily, with seasonal adjustments to opening and closing times. Notably, this escalator, inaugurated by Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu on March 15, was initially offered free of charge for nearly nine months. However, to sustain its operational costs, the new ticket system has now been implemented.

Thousands of devotees visit the Jakhu Hanuman temple each year, especially drawn to the 108-foot-high statue of Hanuman. The escalator, constructed under the Smart City Mission at a cost of approximately Rs 8.5 crore, has significantly improved access to the temple, especially for elderly visitors and women who found it difficult to climb the steep stairs, often encountering monkeys along the way.

While the escalator has provided much-needed convenience, the new ticket fee will now be a part of the temple visit experience for those utilizing this modern facility.