The State Government would explore the possibilities of construction of ropeways and other mass rapid transportation system projects in the state for overcoming the problem of traffic congestion and over dependence on roads. This was stated by Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur while presiding over the presentation made by Ropeways and Rapid Transport Development Corporation here today.The Chief Minister said that the state government has created Ropeways and Rapid Transport Development Corporation as a nodal agency under the transport department for handling all aspects of ropeways, monorails, pod cars, escalators etc. to bring efficiency and effectiveness in the present transport system in the state.
Jai Ram Thakur said that in the first phase, the possibility of urban mass transportation would be explored in Shimla, Manali and Dharamshala towns keeping in view the tourism importance of these places. He said that the ropeways were not only effective mode of mass transportation but also cost effective and eco friendly.The Chief Minister said that the Government of India undertaking WAPCOS ltd. has prepared conceptual plan/ pre feasibility studies for Shimla, Manali and Dharamshala towns. The DPRs would be prepared accordingly and tenders for this would be floated by November this year.It was informed in the meeting that tender has been floated for appointment of promoter for one passenger ropeway to Baglamukhi Temple and pre feasibility study conducted for construction of Neugal ropeway.Principal Secretary, Transport J.C. Sharma, Additional Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Sanjay Kundu, Principal Private Secretary to Chief Minister Vinay Singh were also present on the occasion.