Himachal Pradesh to Develop Ropeway Projects Under PPP and EAP Modes Amid High Construction Costs
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu told the state Assembly during the Monsoon Session that the government will develop ropeway projects to connect tourist destinations through Public-Private Partnership (PPP) and Externally Aided Project (EAP) modes, citing high construction costs that have stalled several planned projects. Industries Minister Harshwardhan Chauhan said six ropeway projects in the state are currently being executed under the PPP mode, with none sanctioned or under construction using Asian Development Bank loans or assistance.
Among ongoing projects, the Palchan-Rohtang ropeway in Kullu district is estimated to cost ₹340 crore, with completion targeted for October 2028. First-phase tower construction is complete and rope installation is underway, while second-phase towers are in progress and third-phase work has yet to begin.
The Kullu Dhalpur-Pij ropeway is estimated at ₹80 crore, targeting completion by December 2028, having secured Stage-I and Forest Conservation Act clearances, with Stage-II approval in process and construction expected to start in December 2026. The Baba Balak Nath Temple ropeway in Hamirpur, estimated at around ₹65 crore, also targets December 2028 completion, with Stage-I approval secured and Stage-II clearance under process. A zipline project at Naddi Viewpoint in Dharamshala, Kangra, is estimated at ₹7.41 crore, with construction expected to begin in December 2026 pending Forest Conservation Act approval.
A previously proposed Shimla ropeway project was shelved after tender assessment estimated its cost at around ₹2,700 crore. The government is now considering a fresh PPP-based framework for Shimla with a concession period of 30 to 35 years, and has around ₹1,200 crore available to support ropeway development while inviting private investors to participate.