Overview
- The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change granted Stage-I in-principle approval for the Tara Devi–Shimla ropeway, allowing use of 6.1909 hectares of forest land under the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980.
- The Ropeway and Rapid Transport System Development Corporation must pay ₹25 crore as environmental compensation and follow forest department guidelines for construction.
- Officials say tender papers have been sent for central approval, about 85% of the required land is available, and the project awaits formal sign-off by the state cabinet.
- The government aims to begin construction in April 2026 with an expected four-year build, financed largely by the New Development Bank at roughly 80% with the state covering the remainder, including a reported mix of 8% loan and 72% grant.
- The ₹1,734 crore PPP project spans 13.79 km to ease congestion and cut emissions, with reported plans for multiple stations and capacity around 2,000 passengers per hour, though coverage varies between 13 and 15 stations and lists features such as 660 cabins, 2–3 minute headways, charging points, and solar panels.