Himachal Pradesh is set to construct a 13.79 km ropeway in capital Shimla, making it the world’s second longest and the first in India and Asia to connect 15 stations.The project construction, aimed at decongesting Shimla, will commence in March 2025, Mukesh Agnihotri, Deputy Chief Minister, Himachal Pradesh, said.This ambitious project, costing Rs.17.34 billion, is poised to transform urban transportation in the region. The ropeway fare will be different for locals and tourists to ensure affordability, without imposing an additional burden on the public.The Shimla Ropeway Project will be financed by an 80 per cent loan from the New Development Bank with the remaining 20 per cent contributed by the state government.The ropeway will initially have the capacity to transport 2,000 persons per hour, increasing to 6,000 for two-way travel by 2059. The project is expected to provide direct employment to 250 people and indirect employment to over 20,000 people.