Work on trolley project near Ridge halted

Shimla, August 8

Foreseeing a possible threat to the historic Ridge during the monsoon season, the Ropeway and Rapid Transport System Development Corporation has stopped the construction work on a proposed funicular trolley in the heart of the town.

The project that being constructed under the Shimla Smart City Mission at a cost of Rs 2.75 crore would provide easier and faster transportation facility to locals as well as tourists from Rivoli Theatre to the Ridge.

Deputy General manager, Ropeway & Rapid Transport System, said the construction work had been stopped for the time being and a decision on resuming the project will be taken in near future.

He said keeping in mind the damage due to landslides triggered by torrential rain last year, it was decided that the construction work should be stopped to avert a possible damage to the Ridge.

The construction of a base for the project required excavation alongside the slopes, which would have increased the possibility of damage to the Ridge.

Earlier, the Municipal Corporation had planned to construct a lift from Lakkar Bazaar to the Ridge. The project was shelved to protect the Ridge from possible damage. Later, it was decided that the lift will be constructed from Lakkar Bazaar to Rivoli Market from where a funicular trolley will be set up till the Ridge.

In July, an 80 metres stretch in areas adjoining the Ridge had developed fresh cracks, threatening the water tank situated below it. After the area was declared unsafe, the Municipal Corporation had issued notices to shopkeepers in the area asking them to vacate at the earliest. — TNS