SHIMLA, May 8 — The Ropeway and Rapid Transport System Development Corporation (RTDC) is pushing to finalize formalities for the long-awaited Shimla ropeway project by the end of June, aiming to award the work shortly after.
“Technical scrutiny of the bids is currently underway. Two major Indian firms, both in joint ventures with international partners, have submitted proposals,” an RTDC official said.
“Once the technical review is complete, financial bids will be opened and the contract will be awarded.”
The bid opening process faced multiple delays after requests from participating companies. According to the official, RTDC is now working in parallel on other project-related requirements, including securing environmental approvals.
“Efforts are ongoing to obtain remaining clearances under the Forest Conservation Act by June 15,” the official said, adding that communication is ongoing with the New Development Bank, the project’s primary financial backer.
“We are hopeful that we’ll be in a position to award the project by the end of June.”
The Shimla ropeway, estimated to cost Rs 1,734 crore, is being financed primarily through a loan from the New Development Bank, which is covering 80 per cent of the cost.
The remaining 20 percent will be borne by the state government.
The 13.79-kilometre system will feature three lines and 15 stations, including Tara Devi, Chakkar Court, Tutikandi Parking, New ISBT, 103 Tunnel, the railway station, Victory Tunnel, Old Bus Stand, Lakkar Bazaar, IGMC, Sanjauli, Navbahar, Secretariat, and the Lift. Each station will include integrated parking to support multimodal connectivity.
Designed to ease chronic traffic congestion in the state capital, the ropeway is expected to significantly reduce the load on Shimla’s roads, which are under strain from surging vehicle numbers.
Meanwhile, the bidding deadline for another key project, the Narkanda-Hatu ropeway, has been extended to May 20. “Several firms have expressed interest, but they’ve raised technical queries, which led to the extension,” the official said.
