Pathibhara Cable Car, IME Group’s latest ropeway venture was inaugurated in November 2024. The ambitious project in Taplejung is said to bring huge convenience and comfort for visitors while also aiding the local economy. But it’s also mired by controversy. Here, we discuss the details of the Pathibhara Cable Car project, its impact on the local economy, and the debate on its need.
Pathibhara Cable Car connects Phedi, the foot of the holy Pathibhara Devi temple to the temple itself. It’s a 2.7 km ropeway that will facilitate the visitors with easier transport. It will have a total of 38 gondolas of which 36 will be for passengers and 2 for cargo. The cable car will take visitors from the base station to the upper station in 10 minutes and 31 seconds.
Located in the eastern hilly region, Pathibhara Temple lies at an elevation of 3,794 meters. The total cost of the project is estimated to be Rs 3 billion.
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The Pathibhara Cable Car Controversy
As the construction work started recently, it has faced criticism and protests, especially from the Limbu communities. They revere Pathibhara as an integral part of their Mundhum ethos which constitutes their worship of nature. The protesters have branded it as an encroachment into their holy identity and heritage. The Limbu communities refer to Pathibhara as Mukumlung.
Constructing Pathibhara would require felling a huge number of trees which has also led to protests from pro-identity groups. However, it’s said that for every tree cut, 25 new trees will be planted. Then, they will be conserved for 5 years and then handed over to the government.
Support for the local economy!
The construction party argues that the Pathibhara Cable Car project will promote religious tourism and benefit the locals. It’s said that after the completion of the project, 300 individuals will get direct employment out of which 80% will be the locals. IME Group Chair Chandra Dhakal has stressed the benefits for locals amidst protests against the project.
The cable car project seeks to facilitate transport for the devotees who may have difficulty walking long at high altitudes. But not everyone agrees.
Who is building the Pathibhara Cable Car project?
Himalaya Construction is responsible for the construction of the project. IME Group, chaired by Dhakal is funding the Pathibhara Cable Car project through Pathibhara Darshan Cable Car Pvt. Ltd.
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The Pathibhara Cable Car project was approved in 2018 and is one of the national pride projects as declared by the National Planning Commission.