Shimla ropeway project delayed as cabinet rejects lone bid

The Himachal Pradesh cabinet has rejected the sole bid for the Rs 1,734-crore Shimla Ropeway project after the estimated cost soared to nearly Rs 2,980 crore. Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu opposed the bid due to the steep escalation, causing another delay for the ambitious Rapid Ropeway Transport System backed by the New Development Bank.

The 13.79-km ropeway, planned across 13 stations from Taradevi to the Ice Skating Rink, aims to ease traffic congestion and reduce emissions in the hill town. Officials say it would become the world’s second-largest aerial transport system after La Paz, capable of carrying 3,000 passengers per hour per direction in 660 cabins. The project, conceived in 2021-22, has already secured environmental clearance but now awaits the government’s next move after the cabinet’s decision.