Construction of first cable-car of Sudur Paschim in full swing

By Chadani Acharya, Kailali, April 28: The work on the Chisapani-Rajkanda Cable Car, which has been started by the Jalpadevi Cable Car Construction Company as the first cable car in the Sudur Paschim Province, has been moving in full swing. 

After finishing the base work on the cable car, fixing pillar have been started in the construction of the cable car, which was started in the year 2025. So far, three pillars have been built in a total of 14 pillars, and 34 gondolas that have to be installed. 

Operator of the cable car, Surya Bahadur Thapa, said that the cable car will come into operation by June, if not, then by the end of October. 

He said that the original plan was to bring the cable car into operation by April, but it was delayed four months because of my health issues and two months owing to the election. 

He said, "After finishing the base work on the cable car, we are now moving to pillar fixing. Along with materials, technical resources have been exported from Italy. Their team has been working on it. Pillar is fixed by the support of a rope-way."

At Rajkanda, construction work is progressing rapidly alongside the cable car project, including the building of the Malika Temple, a refreshment center, a ticket counter, and road infrastructure. The involvement of multiple contractors has helped speed up the work.

Operator Thapa informed that eight contractors have taken on different parts of the project and are working simultaneously. About 50 percent of the Malika Devi Temple construction has been completed. An attractive pathway is also being developed leading to the temple, with stone paving being installed along the route.

The Jalpadevi Cable Car Company has acquired 20 bighas of land in its name for cable car operation and has started the work of the cable car after completing the process of cutting down trees in the area.

There is 75 per cent investment of the President of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) Chandra Dhakal and 25 per cent investment from the local businessperson of Lamki, Kailali, Surya Bahadur Thapa. 

Thapa said, "Jalpadevi cable-car is the first ever cable car of the Sudur Paschim, which is 31 meters long.

 The cable car project is expected to be completed at an estimated cost of five billion rupees. Entrepreneur Thapa stated that the projected cost may increase.

The operation of the cable car is expected to support the observation and promotion of important features associated with the historic Dhulikot Durbar, located in Mohanyal Rural Municipality–7. It is also anticipated to help improve the economic condition of the local community.

Construction work is underway in the top and bottom stations of the cable car. 

Hotelier in the Rajkada Raj Khem Khatri believes that the project will have a positive influence on the hotel business. 

He said that tourists still come here to escape the heat of the Terai and to enjoy the picturesque views from here.

There are water and electricity problems in Rajkada. 

Locals have shown a belief that the project will solve that issue as well. 

Operator Thapa said that the cable car project, which is being developed by the private sector with zero government investment, will also contribute to the simultaneous development of roads, drinking water, and electricity infrastructure.

He said, “Tourism is the sector that can transform development. It can generate foreign currency, create employment, increase revenue, and bring overall prosperity. The private sector will not only drive development but also contribute revenue to the state.”

The foundation stone for the cable car project was laid in April 2025 by then Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba. 

It has also been announced that once the Malika Temple construction is completed, there are plans to have it inaugurated by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath of India.