As a major announcement for Himachal Pradesh, the state government has unveiled plans to have India’s longest ropeway in the state. Stretching as long as 40 km, it is going to connect as many as 11 stations-from Parwanoo to Shimla. When compared to a road route of as long as 90 km, travel time will be remarkably brought down to just about two hours using this high-tech transport system. It will soon be involving international tendering for its project and it will revolutionize the transportation and tourism sectors in the region.
Traffic Relief with Ropeway
The Himachal Pradesh ropeway project is to relieve traffic congestion on the Shimla-Parwanoo road, which has been suffering from this for ages. This 90 km stretch witnesses 20,000 to 22,000 vehicles daily; the figures shoot up to 45,000 on holidays and tourist seasons. It becomes worse when trucks carrying apple produce during the harvest season choke the roads. Things get a little better with the recent opening of a four-lane highway, but ropeway is more reliable as a long-term solution.
The ropeway bypasses the roads and provides a direct aerial route that will ease congestion and, at the same time, reduce carbon footprint of daily commute. This promises to bring a faster, cleaner, and efficient way of transporting people in a better way that will enhance their traveling experience to and within the city as well as for tourists.
Key features of the ropeway project:
The ambitious ropeway project has been sanctioned by the state government with a sum of INR 5,571 crores. The operations under the ropeway project are to be done in a PPP model, and it is all set to get completed by 2030. At the time of its commissioning, it will have the ability to carry an initial total of 904 passengers per hour in either direction. In this regard, it would accommodate an astonishing amount of 25 lakh passengers yearly.
It is expected to carry up to one crore passengers per year by 2063. Thus, this project would be of utmost importance in the state’s transportation infrastructure.
Tourism Boost
Apart from smooth flow of traffic, the ropeway project would give a massive boost to tourism in the region. From a high altitude, panoramic views of the majestic landscape of Himachal Pradesh will be in view for the passengers so that they can enjoy and experience the beauty of the state in a most complete and unique way. The construction of ropeway systems will involve mono-cable detachable gondola which can take 8-10 persons in a car, and tri-cable 3S systems that can take 25 persons in every car. These ropeways are for security, comfort, and scenic views which will attract every local and visitor to become their source of leisure.
11 Stations to Connect Important Destinations
There will be 11 significant stations which will be erected on important places of the ropeway. Stations will provide easy access to such important locations for residents and tourists alike. Stations include the following:
Tara Devi (Goyal Motors)
Tara Devi Temple
Shoghi
Waknaghat
Waknaghat IT City
Karol Ka Tibba
Solan
Barog
Dagshai Cantonment
Jabali
Parwanoo.
All stations would have ticket counters; it will be ascertained while finalizing the project. Through these stations, some of the most beautiful and worthwhile places of Himachal Pradesh shall present a chance for the public.
Conclusion
The ropeway project in Himachal Pradesh is ahead in the infrastructural development in the state because it is going to solve the present traffic congestion problem and will promote tourism. The ropeway will contain all the modern conveniences and strategic stations, which will be unique, with sustainable travel for locals and for tourists. It’s going to be an effortless, enjoyable experience and a climate-friendly journey while visiting 11 destinations in the Himachal Pradesh. Since it is becoming this transforming experience, all eyeballs are onto this construction once the building progress advances until a successful completion towards the end of this decade in the year 2030.
Refer :
TOI, Link to article
For more updates on the latest developments in the Himachal, check out our article on Rohru’s Growth Boosted: Himachal CM Inaugurates Rs 100.95 Crore Projects Focused on Education & Infrastructure