IME Group investing Rs 6 billion to construct 3.1 km Jalpadevi Cable Car in Kailali

KATHMANDU, Dec 28: The IME Group is investing Rs 6 billion to install a cable car in Jalpadevi of Chisapani, Kailali.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Arju Rana, in this regard, laid the foundation stone on Saturday. The 3.1 kilometers long cable car will be constructed in Lamkichuha Municipality-3 in Karnali Chisapani of Kailali district.

Speaking at the program, Foreign Minister Rana said that the construction of the Jalpadevi Cable Car will play a significant role in the economic, social and cultural development of the entire Sudurpaschim Province. "As the far-west region is rich in tourism, culture, tradition, and biodiversity, the magnificent tourism infrastructure, including a cable car and a hotel, to be built in this province will be a great achievement for the prosperity of the region and the country as a whole,” said Rana.

She urged the private sector to invest more in tourism related infrastructure as per needs and prospects of the far west region.

Minister for Forests and Environment Ain Bahadur Shahi said that the cable car and other infrastructure to be built will play a significant role in the development of the Sudurpaschim Province. Stating that there is a lack of physical development infrastructure in the western part of Nepal, Shahi also urged the private sectors to invest more in the development of such infrastructure. “There are very few large infrastructures for modern development in the Sudurpaschim, Karnali and Lumbini provinces.”

Chandra Prasad Dhakal, chairman of Jalpadevi Cable Car Pvt. Ltd, said only tourism can transform the economic, cultural, and social aspects of Nepal. “Compared to other service sectors, tourism can produce more trickle down and helps increase employment opportunities in the country, while it also ensures more revenue collection to the government,” said Dhakal.

The cable car, which will run from Chisapani of Lamkichuha Municipality-3 to Rajkanda of Mohanyal Rural Municipality-7, will have 34 gondolas.

The cable car that is estimated to cost Rs 5 billion will feature a hotel, casino and banquet hall at the bottom station. Likewise, a resort, temple, sky walk, walking trail, restaurant, and children's park along with other tourist and entertainment infrastructure will be built at the top station, according to the cable car company.