Munish Sood
Mandi
₹15.50-crore project set to transform uphill connectivity; tourists, senior citizens and local residents to get relief from the steep climb, with panoramic views of the Queen of Hills adding to the experience
Shimla: Tourists visiting Shimla may soon have a new reason to enjoy the Queen of Hills, as reaching the iconic Ridge from Lakkar Bazaar is set to become easier, faster and more enjoyable. The city’s upcoming lift and funicular facility is nearing completion, with the Shimla Municipal Corporation targeting November 30 for opening the much-awaited project to the public.
For generations, the steep uphill stretch connecting Lakkar Bazaar with the Ridge has been a familiar challenge for visitors and residents alike. While tourists often struggle with the climb, particularly senior citizens and people with mobility difficulties, the new transport facility promises to make this journey considerably more convenient.
Developed at an estimated cost of ₹15.50 crore, the project will offer an integrated lift and funicular system. Passengers will first travel by lift to an intermediate point and then board a funicular trolley to reach the Ridge. The trolley is expected to accommodate around eight to ten passengers, subject to final technical and weight specifications.
Shimla Mayor Surender Chauhan said the project had entered its final stage, with construction work nearing completion. Trial runs and safety inspections are currently underway and are expected to take another five to ten days before the facility is opened to the public.
A new experience for tourists visiting Shimla
Beyond providing easier transportation, the project is expected to emerge as an added attraction for tourists. The journey will offer visitors an opportunity to experience Shimla’s scenic beauty from an elevated vantage point, with views of the surrounding hills and greenery.
A selfie point and viewing spaces are also envisaged as part of the attraction, giving tourists another opportunity to capture memories of their visit to the hill town.
For local residents, particularly elderly people, the facility will offer a practical alternative to the physically demanding climb. Families travelling with children and visitors who find steep mountain pathways difficult are also expected to benefit.
Old bus stand to get a facelift, 15-18 new shops planned
The ₹15.50-crore project is not limited to the transport facility. It also includes renovation of the old bus stand at Lakkar Bazaar and construction of approximately 15 to 18 new shops, giving the area a fresh look and improving its commercial infrastructure.
The project is being jointly developed by the Shimla Municipal Corporation and the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC), with both institutions expected to play a role in its operation.
Another lift planned near Auckland House
In another initiative to improve urban mobility, the Municipal Corporation is developing a lift facility near Auckland House, alongside the Oak Tunnel. The executing agency has set March 30-31, 2027, as the target for completing the work. The facility is expected to improve accessibility and provide additional convenience to people travelling through the area.
With these projects, Shimla is seeking to improve pedestrian connectivity while making its popular tourist destinations more accessible. The Lakkar Bazaar-Ridge funicular, in particular, is expected to become a useful addition to the city’s tourism infrastructure, benefiting both visitors and the people who call Shimla home.
