Wave Of Cable Car Construction Across Country

The installation of cable cars has recently increased across the country. While more than a half-dozen cable cars are operational around the country, certain areas are undergoing significant expansion and development. Currently, the Chandragiri, Manakamana, Annapurna, Kalinchowk, Maulakalika, Bandipur, and Lumbini cable cars are operational. The Bandipur cable car was the latest to operate commercially in the country, near Tanahun on June. The Bandipur cable car was launched at a cost of around 2.25 billion rupees.

The foundation stone for the Jalpadevi cable car was laid in Kailali last month. On Dec 28, the foundation stone was laid for the cable car that would connect Chisapani, Lamkichuha Municipality-3, Kailali, and Rajkanda, Mohanyal Rural Municipality-7. Chandra Prasad Dhakal, President of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, and Surya Bahadur Thapa, former President of the District Coordination Committee, Kailali, will lead the construction of the Jalpadevi cable car.

Previously, the construction of the cable car to the famous religious pilgrimage site of Pathibhara Temple in Taplejung began in November. On November 8, Constituent Assembly member Dambardhwaj Tumbahamphe and Phungling Municipality Mayor Amir Maden performed puja at Kaflepati to lay the groundwork for construction. On Tuesday, the construction work of the Pathibhara Devi Mukumlung Darshan Cable Car Project began.

Cable car development is being studied in around a dozen different locations across the country. According to the Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration, the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process for the cable car construction at Chinkeshwari in Budhi, Tanahun, Sikles Annapurna in Kaski, Khaptad in Sudurpaschim, Swargadwari in Pyuthan, and Gosainkunda in Rasuwa is currently underway. The Investment Board is also conducting studies for the development of the Pokhara-Poonhill-Tatopani-Muktinath Cable Car and the Bouddha Satdobato Cable Car. Similarly, the ministry noted that pre-feasibility studies and other work are being conducted for the building of cable cars in Shailung, Dolakha, Makalu, Sankhuwasabha, and Namche, Solukhumbu.

The Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration oversees and regulates ropeways and cable cars. According to the Local Government Operation Act 2074, the taxes collected from the operation of cable cars, as well as their control and operation, are the responsibility of the relevant local level. There is also a provision for approval, license, renewal, and monitoring of cable car operations at the local level. The Ministry of Federal Affairs has been involved in the cable car policy, standards, land use, and EIA approvals.

The Jalpadevi Cable Car, the first ever cable car being built in the far west, will connect Chisapani in Kailali to Rajkada, the Far West Province's entrance. According to Kamal Bahadur Shah, Chief Minister of the Far West, the building of the cable car would contribute to the creation of an investment climate for the private sector as well as the Far West's tourist growth. The construction group will also develop tourism infrastructure, such as hotels and resorts, alongside the cable cars. The cable car is expected to be put into service within two years. At the project location, 1,866 trees were chopped down, and the business acquired 20 bighas of land to operate the cable car.

The Pathibhara Devi Mukumlung Darshan Cable Car, which will connect to the famed religious pilgrimage destination Pathibhara Devi Temple in Taplejung, is now under construction. The construction group estimates that the visitors will be able to ride the cable car to Pathibhara Devi after 15 months. The cable car is also expected to contribute to Taplejung's economic, social, and cultural growth. The cable car will make it simpler for the elderly, children, and those with disabilities to visit Pathibhara Devi. The operator assures that the Pathibhara Cable Car will set a new standard for tourism promotion, employment creation, environmental balance, and economic and social growth. The firm expects one million people to visit Pathibhara Devi after the project is completed.

Despite such promises, some people are opposing the construction of the cable car in the Pathibhara region of Phungling Municipality-11 in Taplejung. The 'No Cable Car' group, which is opposing the construction, clashed with the police during a protest on Saturday. The clash left 19 police officers and 6 demonstrators injured. Three persons who were critically injured in the incident were sent to Kathmandu on Sunday for further treatment. The police shot Yam Bahadur Limbu in the thigh and Sagun Lawati in the chest. Dharman Palungwa, who fell off the cliff, had a shattered pelvis. On Saturday evening, police clashed with demonstrators in Baludanda. After the demonstrators flung stones from above, police fired tear gas and bullets. The Koshi Province Police Office in Biratnagar stated that 19 police personnel, including Police Inspector Rohit Sharma, were hurt in the confrontation. Chief District Officer Netra Prasad Sharma stated that they were forced to open fire after many attempts to manage the situation failed. There has also been a protest at the Koshi Province Assembly against the event. The majority of MPs in the Koshi Province Assembly spoke out vehemently against police repression.