Himachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Mukhesh Agnihotri announced on Saturday the final approval for a 13.79 km ropeway in Shimla, a Rs 1,734.70 crore project set to transform the state into a tourism powerhouse akin to Switzerland, with completion targeted in four years.

The eco-friendly initiative, featuring three lines, 14 sections, and 13 stations, will connect key landmarks including the state Secretariat, hospitals, schools, the railway station, and the main bus stand. Agnihotri highlighted its role in alleviating traffic congestion, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and providing a modern transport alternative.

Under the Smart City Project, Shimla will see 19 infrastructure developments worth Rs 50 crore and three additional projects at Rs 25 crore, all slated for completion by December next year.

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Agnihotri outlined other ropeway ventures: the Rs 65-crore Baba Balaknath temple ropeway, the Rs 278.62-crore Bijli Mahadev ropeway, and the Rs 76.50-crore Mata Chintpurni Temple ropeway, all expected by June 2027. The nation's first rural ropeway at Baglamukhi, inaugurated in December 2024 for Rs 53.89 crore, already serves 69,000 passengers and acts as a vital link for locals and disaster relief.

Progress continues on the 1.20-km Dhalpur to Peej ropeway in Kullu (Rs 80 crore, by June 2027). Looking ahead, a 38 km Shimla-Parwanoo ropeway under public-private partnership is planned at Rs 5,602.56 crore, further enhancing connectivity and sustainable tourism in the hill state. 

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