Shimla To Get Asia's Longest Ropeway: Distance, People Per Hour, Project Cost And More

Shimla is set to introduce Asia's longest ropeway. The infrastructure project designed to reduce traffic congestion and improve connectivity as well the travel experience in the region. The initiative, spanning 13.79 kilometres, is being developed under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model with the Himachal Pradesh government.

The Tara Devi-Shimla Ropeway Project is being undertaken by the Ropeway and Rapid Transport System Development Corporation at an estimated cost of Rs 1,734.40 crore.

Once completed, it will be the second-longest ropeway in the world, after Bolivia's 32-kilometre-long system. Known as Mi Teleferico (My Cable Car), this high-altitude urban transit system links La Paz, the world's highest de-facto capital, with El Alto, a city nearby.

Meanwhile, work on the ropeway project in Shimla has already begun, with funding secured from the New Development Bank. The bank will cover 80% of the costs, while the government will provide the rest.

The ropeway is set to accommodate around 2,000 passengers per hour in both directions. It will significantly cut down travel time and also provide a panoramic view of the surroundings. The system will feature 660 cabins, each capable of carrying 8-10 passengers, with departures every two to three minutes.

The ropeway's boarding stations would be:

• 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

• Sanjauli

To align with eco-friendly initiatives, the project will integrate 90 charging stations at the boarding points, according to a report in NDTV. Apart from this, solar panels would be installed on the cabins. These features would reduce the city’s carbon footprint while ensuring a modern and efficient mode of transport.

As per reports, authorities expect the ropeway to provide a sustainable solution to the growing vehicular congestion in Shimla, offering residents and tourists a comfortable and scenic transit option. It is also expected to boost the local economy by attracting more tourists to the region.