Shimla, the popular tourist destination and the Capital of Himachal Pradesh would soon see a new ropeway to improve the infrastructure of the city and reduce pollution.
Chief minister Virbhadra Singh said that a ropeway between ISBT Tutikandi to the lift (Mall Road) and from lift to near Rani Jhanshi Park would be constructed under PPP mode on Built, Operate and Transfer (BoT) with a view to decongest the traffic rush in Shimla town and to facilitate the tourists and other commuters.
Singh was presiding over a high level meeting of H.P. Infrastructure Development Board (HPIBD) here. He said that the initial cost of the three kilometres long project would be around Rs. 250 crore with boarding stations at Tutikandi and lift and parking facility for 500 vehicles each.
He said that the carrying capacity of this ropeway would be around 1500 to 2000 persons, per hour each way, with total travel time of about ten minutes or so. He said that both the terminals at Tutikandi and lift would have restaurant, waiting hall and other basic amenities.
CM said that besides saving travel time it would help in reducing pollution level. Besides, it would be a joy ride for tourists and help giving fillip to tourism in Shimla. Singh also gave nod to construct another Himani Chamunda ropeway project in district Kangra.