Shimla’s Dream Ropeway Faces Delays Amid Rising Costs
Shimla’s much-talked-about Ropeway and Rapid Transport System—seen as a lifeline for the hill town’s traffic woes—is once again caught in uncertainty. What was once a ₹1,556 crore project in 2022 has now ballooned to nearly ₹2,980 crore, leaving the state government struggling to arrange its share of ₹540 crore.
The ropeway, planned under a public-private partnership, has cleared several procedural hurdles, including forest clearance and even approval from the Union Finance Ministry’s Department of Economic Affairs. Yet, the state’s financial crunch is proving to be the biggest roadblock.
Officials admit that delays, inflation, and evolving technical requirements have nearly doubled the cost in just three years. While the government hopes to secure 80% of the funding from the New Development Bank, mobilizing its own contribution remains a challenge.
Spanning 13.65 km, the ropeway promises to be one of the largest aerial urban transport systems in the world. For Shimla, it could mean smoother commutes, less congestion during tourist rush, and a sustainable alternative to road expansion in the tightly packed hill city.
But until the finances are sorted, the project remains stuck on paper. For residents and visitors alike, the wait continues—along with the daily struggle of navigating Shimla’s gridlocked roads.
