Shimla, Oct. 16 -- The stage-1 in-principle approval to the 13.79 km ropeway project by the Union ministry of forests, in Shimla, has set the ball rolling for the construction of India's longest and world's second longest ropeway project which not only will boost tourism but also alleviate traffic congestion in the hill station. Deputy chief minister Mukesh Agnihotri on Tuesday shared the information regarding the approval. The deputy CM said that approval has been granted for the use of 6.1909 hectares of forest land, with full compliance to all environmental and legal norms. The Tara Devi-Shimla Ropeway Project is being undertaken at a cost of Rs.1,734.40 crore by the Ropeway and Rapid Transport System Development Corporation, under a public-private partnership (PPP) model with the Himachal Pradesh government. The corporation will have to pay Rs.25 crore as environmental compensation for felling of trees, he said. The project is expected to revolutionise Shimla's transportation system by offering a modern, eco-friendly alternative that will enhance connectivity, improve air quality and boost tourism. As per officials privy to the project, tender has been sent for approval to the Centre and the ropeway corporation has 85% of the land available with it to start the project. Now the project would be granted formal approval from the state cabinet. The government is aiming to start the work by April next year. Agnihotri said that these ropeway projects would help in reducing traffic congestion, cut greenhouse gas emissions and provide a modern, eco-friendly mode of transport. Agnihotri said that this project was a major gift for the people of Shimla and would play a pivotal role in achieving the state government's vision of a 'Green Himachal'. He said that environmental protection would remain a top priority of the present state government and all construction activities would follow the guidelines of the forest department. The ropeway will run between Tara Devi and Sanjauli and will connect 15 key stations across Shimla and nearby areas. Roughly 2,000 people will be allowed to travel from both directions every hour. It will comprise 660 cabins, each having a carrying capacity of 8-10 passengers. The cabins will arrive at the stations every two to three minutes. Ninety charging stations will be set up at the boarding point in addition to eco-friendly solar panels installed on the cabins. As much as 80% of the project funding will be done by the New Development Bank while the remaining will be taken care of by the state government. Himachal will have 20% equity in it. There will be an 8% loan, the rest 72% will be a grant. The bank has granted approval for advance purchase, enabling necessary preparations to commence prior to the initiation of the tender process. The ropeway project will have 13 stations and will be completed in phases....