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In a groundbreaking move to reduce traffic congestion and enhance travel convenience, the Himachal Pradesh government has announced the construction of India's longest ropeway. This 40 km ropeway will connect Parwanoo to Shimla, cutting travel time to just two hours. The project, which is expected to begin its global tendering process by the end of this month or early next month, promises to transform travel in the region.
Addressing Traffic Woes
The ropeway project is designed to address the heavy traffic on the 90 km route between Shimla and Parwanoo. This stretch currently experiences an average of 20,000 to 22,000 vehicles daily, rising to 45,000 during peak tourist seasons. Travelers often face delays, especially during apple harvesting seasons, when trucks carrying produce clog the roads. The introduction of a four-lane highway has already brought some relief, but the ropeway will provide a long-term solution to these challenges.
Key Features of the Project
The government has allocated ₹5,571 crore for this ambitious project, which will be developed under a public-private partnership (PPP) model. The ropeway, expected to be operational by 2030, will initially have the capacity to transport 904 passengers per hour in each direction, translating to an annual capacity of 25 lakh passengers. By 2063, it is projected to handle up to one crore passengers annually.
Passengers will travel in modern cable cars, which will feature either mono-cable detachable gondola (MDG) systems capable of seating 8-10 people or tri-cable 3S systems that can carry up to 25 passengers per car.
Stations Along the Ropeway
The ropeway will have 11 stations strategically placed along the route, allowing passengers to board or disembark at their convenience. The stations include:
- Tara Devi (Goyal Motors)
- Tara Devi Temple
- Shoghi
- Waknaghat
- Waknaghat IT City
- Karol Ka Tibba
- Solan
- Barog
- Dagshai Cantonment
- Jabali
- Parwanoo
Ticket counters will be available at each station, and pricing will be finalized upon the project's completion.
Ajay Sharma, Director of the Ropeways Transport Development Corporation (RTDC), highlighted that the project will not only solve traffic issues but also enhance tourism in the region. The scenic ropeway will offer travelers a unique and comfortable way to experience the natural beauty of Himachal Pradesh.
By providing a quicker and more enjoyable travel option between Parwanoo and Shimla, this ropeway marks a forward-thinking approach to transportation and infrastructure development, making Himachal Pradesh even more accessible and appealing to tourists.
