The Himachal Pradesh government has begun work on Asia’s longest ropeway project, spanning 13.79 kilometres, to enhance tourism and ease traffic congestion in the hill station. The Tara Devi-Shimla Ropeway Project, being developed under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, is estimated to cost ₹1,734.40 crore and is being executed by the Ropeway and Rapid Transport System Development Corporation.
Once completed, the project will be the second-largest ropeway in the world and will connect Maa Tara Devi to Sanjauli, covering approximately 60 kilometres across 15 key stations in Shimla and its surrounding areas, NDTV reported. The ropeway is designed to transport around 2,000 passengers per hour in both directions.
According to officials, the ropeway will consist of 660 cabins, each accommodating 8 to 10 passengers. The cabins will arrive at stations every two to three minutes, ensuring smooth and efficient travel, as per NDTV’s report.
The designated boarding stations include Maa Tara Devi, Court Complex (Chakkar), Tutikandi Parking Area, ISBT, Tunnel No. 103, Railway Station, Victory Tunnel, Old Bus Stand, Boarding Area Station Near the Lift, Lakkar Bazaar Area, IGMC Hospital, Navbahar, Secretariat, and Sanjauli.
90 Charging Stations To Be Set Up At Boarding Points Of Tara Devi-Shimla Ropeway
To promote sustainability, 90 charging stations will be set up at the boarding points, and the cabins will be equipped with eco-friendly solar panels.
Funding for the project is being primarily sourced from the New Development Bank, which is covering 80% of the cost, while the remaining amount is being managed by the Himachal Pradesh government. Officials confirmed that advance tenders have been approved and the initial processes have been completed, the report stated.
Once operational, the ropeway is expected to revitalise Shimla’s transportation system, offering a panoramic and eco-friendly alternative while significantly reducing vehicular congestion.
The world’s longest ropeway is currently in Bolivia, spanning approximately 32 kilometres. Bolivia’s Mi Teleférico, or “My Cable Car,” is the world’s longest and highest urban cable car system, connecting La Paz and El Alto and transporting around 300,000 people daily.
