Kailali – The foundation stone for the Jalpadevi Cable Car Project in Karnali Chisapani, Kailali, was laid on Saturday. Foreign Affairs Minister Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba inaugurated the project during a special ceremony held at Lamki Chuha Municipality Ward No. 3. The cable car will span 3.1 kilometers in length.

Significant for Far-Western Development

In her address, Minister Deuba highlighted the cable car’s potential to drive economic, social, and cultural development in the Far-Western Province. She stated, “Far-West is rich in tourism, culture, traditions, and biodiversity. The region’s abundant natural resources are complemented by the cultural unity and harmony among its people. This grand infrastructure, including the cable car and associated tourist facilities, will significantly contribute to the prosperity of the province and the nation.”

Calls for Private Sector Investment

Minister for Forests and Environment, Ain Bahadur Shahi, emphasized the critical role of such infrastructure in the region’s development. He urged the private sector to invest more in physical development projects, particularly in Nepal’s underdeveloped western regions.

Far-Western Province Chief Minister Kamal Bahadur Shah also commended the project. He noted that the cable car and associated facilities, including a resort, will promote adventure, religious, and leisure tourism. He assured that the provincial government is committed to facilitating investment and development projects in the region.

Vision for Tourism and Economic Transformation

Chandra Prasad Dhakal, Chairman of Jalpadevi Cable Car Pvt. Ltd., emphasized that tourism infrastructure is essential for Nepal’s economic, cultural, and social transformation. He stated, “Investment in tourism infrastructure attracts tourists, extends their stay, generates foreign exchange, creates jobs, increases government revenue, and ultimately supports the economic growth and prosperity we aspire to achieve.”

Project Details

The cable car will connect Lamki Chuha Municipality Ward No. 3 (Chisapani) to Mohanyal Rural Municipality Ward No. 7 (Rajkanda). Spanning 3.1 kilometers, it will feature 34 gondolas. The project, with an estimated investment of NPR 5 billion, will include:

• Bottom Station: Cable car terminal, hotel, casino, banquet hall
• Top Station: Resort, temple, skywalk, walking trails, restaurant, children’s park, and other recreational and tourism facilities

The initiative is expected to establish the region as a premier tourist destination while boosting the local and national economy.