Bandipur cable car construction crawling for years

BY AMAR RAJ NAHARKI,Tanahun, Feb. 10: The construction of the Bandipur cable car has progressed at a very slow pace, causing delays in its operational timeline. Originally scheduled to start operations four years ago, it has yet to be finalised.

When the former Chief Minister of Gandaki Province Prithvi Subba Gurung laid the foundation stone on July 20, 2018, it was expected that the cable car would be operational within 15 months.

Engineer Hari Datta Paudel, a member of the Board of Directors of Bandipur Cable Car and Tourism Limited, attributed the delay in operation to several factors, including forest route, the pandemic, and the delayed arrival of construction materials from abroad. 

He added that the development of additional infrastructure such as five-star hotels and other structures was also postponed as the cable car's initial operation was delayed.

He informed that currently, the cable car is undergoing trial operations, with preparations underway for full operation starting from the upcoming Nepali New Year (2081 Baishakh, 1). Initially, only cable cars will be put into operation at the onset of the New Year. He also said that 90 per cent of the cable car's construction work has been completed.

Kiran Pokharel, executive officer of the company, said that the company was currently in the process of acquiring international technology and safety quality test certificates, along with other necessary safety and completion-related certifications.

According to Cable Car Limited, the price of materials has risen by at least 25 per cent compared to earlier estimates, leading to increased costs. The construction cost of the cable car has now reached Rs 3.58 billion. Additionally, a 17-storey five-star hotel named "Queen Tower" is being constructed at the cable car's upper station.

The main feature of the hotel is its panoramic view from the 17th floor, offering stunning vistas of the surrounding areas of Bandipur. The cable car, capable of carrying 500 passengers per hour, will operate daily from 6 am to 11 pm, with various shifts throughout the day. The distance from Thuladhunga, Cable Car Chowk to Bandipur along the Prithvi Highway is about 1,700 metres.