Pedestrians and tourists visiting Himachal Pradesh's capital will soon be spared the exhausting uphill walk between Lakkar Bazaar and the historic Ridge ground. Work on installing an advanced funicular trolley and lift system in Shimla has entered its concluding stage, with civic authorities aiming to open the transit link to the public by November 30.
At present, the final stages of physical construction are proceeding alongside rigorous trial runs and technical safety evaluations. The comprehensive safety checks and system calibration are expected to take between 5 and 10 days to conclude. The overall project represents an investment of approximately 15.5 crore rupees (15.50 crore rupees), developed as a joint undertaking between the municipal corporation and the Ropeway and Rapid Transport System Development Corporation (RTDC), both of which will share operational oversight.
Three Key Facilities Under the 15.50 Crore Rupee Plan
Beyond introducing modern hillside transit, the development package upgrades vital local civic infrastructure. According to Mayor Surender Chauhan, the 15.50 crore rupee budget encompasses three interconnected components
- Upgradation of the old bus stand: The aging bus stand premises at Lakkar Bazaar are undergoing complete renovation to offer better civic amenities and organized boarding spaces.
- Commercial spaces: Between 15 and 18 new retail shops are being built within the facility footprint, providing upgraded commercial opportunities for local traders.
- Dual stage transit mechanism: The installation of dedicated lift shafts combined with an inclined funicular trolley track to navigate the vertical terrain effortlessly.
How the Commute Works: Lifts Followed by Funicular Trolley
The journey from the lower market level to the higher town promenade will operate in two distinct stages. Passengers will first board an elevator at Lakkar Bazaar, taking them halfway up the vertical cliffside. From that intermediate landing, riders will transfer into the funicular trolley car, which will pull them uphill directly onto the Ridge.
Mayor Chauhan indicated that preliminary estimates place the carriage capacity at roughly 8 to 10 passengers per journey. However, the precise number of passengers allowed per trip will be formally finalized based on total weight limits and structural safety metrics during final inspections.
Major Relief for Senior Citizens and an Enhanced Experience for Visitors
The steep gradient between Lakkar Bazaar and Mall Road has historically posed a daunting physical barrier. The primary beneficiaries of this system will be senior citizens, young children, and local residents who find the strenuous climb exhausting during routine errands. Replacing the footpath trudge with mechanised vertical transit will drastically cut travel time and strain.
For tourists, the transit link promises a fresh travel perspective. Besides granting direct access to Mall Road and the Ridge, the elevated ride will offer sweeping panoramic views of Shimla's valleys, forested mountain slopes, and lush greenery. A dedicated selfie vantage point is also being introduced along the corridor to allow sightseers to capture the surrounding landscape.
Oak Tunnel Lift Near Auckland House Targeted for March 2027
The municipal administration is simultaneously advancing another key mobility project in the hill station. A separate lift installation is underway alongside the Oak Tunnel near Auckland House. The executing agency has been given a completion deadline of March 30 or 31, 2027. Once completed, this infrastructure will bring substantial walking relief to commuters navigating that corridor.
Diwali Support for Women's Groups and Dearness Allowance Relief for Staff
While extending Diwali greetings to city residents, Mayor Surender Chauhan highlighted several social empowerment and administrative welfare measures adopted by the local body. He noted that the festival of lights presents an opportunity to strengthen local women financially.
The municipal corporation has decided to procure handcrafted earthen lamps, festive decorations, and gift items directly from women associated with local self-help groups. This initiative is designed to provide these artisan groups with a guaranteed sales platform and boost household incomes.
Turning to staff welfare, Mayor Chauhan confirmed that the municipal corporation has extended the 4 percent and 5 percent Dearness Allowance (DA) hikes announced by the Chief Minister and state government to its officers, employees, and pensioners. To provide further financial flexibility, the municipal House has formally approved an advance salary withdrawal facility, allowing employees facing immediate personal expenditures to avail themselves of salary advances as needed.
