LUMBINI: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ inaugurated the newly installed Lumbini cable car service on Thursday, marking a significant milestone for the region.

The cable car, spanning approximately three kilometers, operates from Golpark Bamghat in Butwal sub-metropolitan city-3 to Basantapur in Tinau rural municipality-3, situated in Palpa district. This remarkable project represents the first cable car system in Lumbini Province.

At the Bottom Station in Golpark Bamghat, Prime Minister Dahal formally launched the cable car service by unveiling a copper plaque. The inaugural event witnessed the participation of representatives from Lumbini Cable Car Company, Butwal sub-metropolis, and Tinau rural municipality. An agreement has been reached among these entities for the daily operation of the cable car service, showcasing their collective commitment to promoting tourism and connectivity in the region.

Basantapur, the destination accessible via the Lumbini cable car, is home to several attractions, including the revered Kamakhyadevi temple, Bhagwati temple, Ganesh temple, Kailash Parbat, and other noteworthy structures such as a pond and stone spout. With the introduction of the cable car, Basantapur has transformed into a religious tourism hotspot, captivating visitors from far and wide.

The construction and implementation of the Lumbini cable car were made possible through the investment and efforts of the IME Group. This marks the third cable car project undertaken by the group. Chandra Prasad Dhakal, the Chairperson of Lumbini Cable Car Pvt Ltd, expressed gratitude towards the federal government, Lumbini province government, local authorities, and the community for their unwavering support and cooperation in bringing the project to fruition.

The cable car connecting Rupandehi and Palpa districts is anticipated to contribute significantly to the economic and social development of not only Rupandehi and Palpa but also neighboring districts like Nawalparasi and Kapilvastu, ultimately benefiting the entire Lumbini Province. The completion of this project aligns with the aspirations of political leaders and residents of Lumbini Province, who envision Rupandehi as the financial capital of the region.

Chairperson Dhakal also revealed plans for a new campaign aimed at constructing a cable car religious tourism circuit. In the initial phase, an investment of Rs 1.5 billion has been allocated for the construction of cable cars. The total project cost, including the resort, amounts to Rs 5 billion. Notably, restaurants have already been established at the top station, while ongoing construction includes a hotel, children’s playground, skywalk, and zipline, enhancing the overall visitor experience.

The cable car system comprises 25 gondolas, providing efficient transportation for passengers. Traveling from the bottom station, situated 230 meters above sea level, to the top station at an elevation of 940 meters above sea level, takes a mere 10 minutes. This seamless connectivity is expected to attract a significant influx of tourists and pilgrims to the region, bolstering its cultural and economic prosperity.