Himachal Pradesh News
Shimla Ropeway Project Set for Fresh Tender as Himachal Cabinet Likely to Approve PPP Plan
The Himachal Pradesh government is preparing to revive the ambitious ₹2,980 crore Shimla Aerial Ropeway Project, with a proposal for fresh tendering expected to be placed before the state Cabinet in its upcoming meeting. If approved, the move will mark a significant step towards restarting one of the state’s largest urban transport projects.
The Himachal Pradesh government is preparing to revive the ambitious ₹2,980 crore Shimla Aerial Ropeway Project, with a proposal for fresh tendering expected to be placed before the state Cabinet in its upcoming meeting. If approved, the move will mark a significant step towards restarting one of the state’s largest urban transport projects.
The project had been put on hold in May after the state Cabinet cancelled the earlier tender due to a sharp rise in construction costs. The government had then decided that the ropeway should be developed under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model to improve its financial viability.
Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri, who also holds the Transport portfolio, said the government is committed to moving the project forward because of its long-term benefits for Shimla. He described the ropeway as an environmentally friendly transport solution that can help reduce traffic congestion, cut vehicle emissions, and ease the growing parking problem in the hill capital.
He also revealed that the state government plans to seek additional financial assistance from the Central Government to support the execution of the mega infrastructure project.
Planned by the Himachal Pradesh Ropeway Transport Development Corporation, the 13.65-kilometre ropeway is expected to become the world’s second-largest urban aerial ropeway system, after the famous ropeway network in La Paz. Apart from improving daily commuting, the project is also expected to strengthen Shimla’s tourism appeal by offering visitors a modern and scenic mode of transport.
The estimated cost of the project has increased substantially over the years. Initially valued at ₹1,734 crore, it was later revised to ₹2,100 crore before reaching the current estimate of ₹2,980 crore. According to the government, the increase is largely due to rising global construction costs and supply chain disruptions linked to the West Asia crisis.
The project has faced several hurdles in attracting private investors. Despite three rounds of international bidding conducted by the Himachal Pradesh Ropeway Transport Development Corporation, only a single bid was received. The Central Government had earlier permitted the state to proceed with the lone bid after seeking necessary clarifications.
Once completed, the ropeway will be capable of transporting 3,000 passengers per hour in each direction using advanced monocable detachable gondola technology. Around 660 cabins, each accommodating 10 passengers, are planned to operate at intervals of two to three minutes.
The proposed network will connect key locations across Shimla, including Tara Devi, Chakkar-Tutikandi, ISBT, Old Bus Stand, Victory Tunnel, Railway Station, Lift, Secretariat, Nav Bahar, Sanjauli, IGMC, and the Ice Skating Rink, providing faster and more convenient travel across the city.
With the Cabinet expected to take up the proposal soon, residents and visitors alike will be watching closely as the long-awaited Shimla Ropeway Project moves a step closer to becoming a reality.
