Project
aims to address traffic woes, boost tourism of State capital
GANGTOK,: An ambitious project, ‘Golden Jubilee Cable Car’, has been proposed to introduce a ropeway system as an urban transportation solution to alleviate traffic congesting in Gangtok while also boosting tourism.
Chief
Minister PS Golay on Thursday chaired a high-level meeting to discuss Sikkim’s
readiness for a modern aerial ropeway system in Gangtok. The meeting was
attended by Urban Development officials, key stakeholders, and potential
investors. The meeting focused on the project’s scope, feasibility, and
implementation under the Sikkim Ropeway Act, 2023.
At
the meeting, the Urban Development officials provided a comprehensive briefing
to the Chief Minister, detailing the necessity, feasibility, and multifaceted
benefits of the cable car system in the State capital.
Designed
to ease Gangtok’s traffic congestion and boost tourism, the ropeway project
aims to offer a scenic, efficient, and sustainable alternative for both
residents and visitors, it was informed.
“The
ropeway project is a visionary step toward reducing traffic congestion,
boosting tourism, and providing a sustainable urban transport solution.
Gangtok’s increasing vehicular load and limited road infrastructure make this
initiative crucial for enhancing mobility, generating employment, and
supporting local livelihoods,” said the Chief Minister on his social media
page.
Rising
vehicular congestion in Gangtok, especially during peak hours, has already
prompted authorities here to impose odd-even traffic system along the NH 10
stretch of the capital. School opening and closing timings in the capital have
be also been revised to ensure that the school rush hours do not clash with
office timings.
The
State administration sees the ropeway transport to reduce the pressure on road
transport in Gangtok.
“In
celebration of Sikkim’s 50 years of Statehood, we have renamed this ambitious
initiative the Golden Jubilee Cable Car. This project reflects our commitment
to sustainable urban development and will position Gangtok as a model city in
the region. I look forward to the successful execution of this transformative
project, which will greatly benefit our State and its people,” said the Chief
Minister.
Rise
in private vehicle ownership, linear road alignments, reduced road space, and
increasing trip lengths are the major factors contributing to traffic
congestion in Gangtok.
Addressing
these challenges, the ropeway system promises to alleviate urban traffic
pressures while enhancing the city's aesthetic appeal and accessibility. In
addition to improving mobility, this project is expected to generate
significant employment opportunities and support local livelihoods, said the
Urban Development department.
Traffic
characteristic data, groundwork assessments, and future pathways were
thoroughly presented at the high-level meeting. The discussion also covered the
Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, emphasizing a revenue-sharing framework
and annual fixed financing.
Key
challenges and strategic recommendations were deliberated in depth, leading to
the decision to proceed with the Detailed Project Report (DPR) preparation,
informed the Urban Development department. It was informed that the Urban
Development department would be undertaking a detailed study of the available
government lands and soil testing lasting three-four months for the DPR.
The
Urban Development presentation was led by commissioner-cum-secretary Jitendra
Singh Raje alongside secretary Yogeeta Rai, principal chief engineer Shailendra
Sharma, chief engineer (ropeway) Bhupendra Kuthari, chief town planner Dinker
Gurung, and urban planner Niranjan Kapil.
This initiative underscores Sikkim's commitment to sustainable urban development and innovative transport solutions, positioning Gangtok as a model city in the region, said the Urban Development department.
BOX
“The
ropeway project is a visionary step toward reducing traffic congestion,
boosting tourism, and providing a sustainable urban transport solution.
Gangtok’s increasing vehicular load and limited road infrastructure make this
initiative crucial for enhancing mobility, generating employment, and
supporting local livelihoods,” - Chief Minister PS Golay.
