New Delhi: In a huge step towards boosting connectivity in the hill state of Himachal Pradesh, the state government has issued tenders for the development of ropeway projects in Shimla district. The first scheme for which the tender has been issued is for the development, operation, and maintenance of the ‘Innovative Urban Ropeway Transport Network in Shimla (Phase 2)’ under the Design, Build, Finance, Operate, and Transfer (DBFOT) model.
Aerial ropeway transit network
The project involves the construction of an aerial ropeway transit network in Himachal capital, including stations and a network management system, aimed at offering efficient, safe, and eco-friendly mobility within the city. The plan seeks to ease road traffic congestion by promoting a shift to alternative transportation modes, while also reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This will enhance mobility and create a more efficient transportation system within Shimla city.
The tender, issued by the Ropeways and Rapid Transport System Development Corporation HP Ltd, is valued at Rs 3,500 crore. The final date for bid submissions is set for March 4, 2025.
Connecting Narkanda to Hatu Peak
The second project for which the tender has been issued is the proposed ropeway connecting Narkanda to Hatu Peak in Shimla district. The tender is for the development, operations and maintenance of passenger Narkhana-Hatu peak Ropeway on ‘Design, Build, Finance, Operation and Operate Transfer (DBFOT) mode’. Document suggest that the value of the tender is Rs 206 crore. The last date for submission of the bids is March 4, 2025. The estimated length of the Narkanda-Hatu Peak Ropeway is 3.10 km.
Meanwhile, the Himachal Pradesh government will also invite tenders for the country’s longest Rs 5,602 crore ropeway between Parwanoo and Shimla shortly. The ropeway is aimed at cutting down travel time and easing traffic congestion on this stretch which witnesses traffic bottlenecks. The 40-km ropeway, featuring 11 stations and a travel time of two hours, is set to become a major tourist draw.
