IME Group’s Jalpa Devi Cable Car linking Chisapani in Kailali and Rajkanda is set to open by Tihar 2026. The Rs 5 billion project, which was previously due to open before Dashain, has been delayed and is now undergoing the final preparations. The company has indicated that the physical construction work has been completed and technical and related preparations are continuing. Once it is opened, the cable car is expected to enhance tourism and improve connectivity to Rajkanda.
Chandra Prasad Dhakal, former president of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) and chairman of IME Group, said that the cable car is expected to open to the public between Dashain and Tihar. According to Dhakal, the project’s entire physical infrastructure has been completed and only technical and related preparations are currently continuing. The company is expected to complete the remaining procedures to allow the facility to receive passengers before Tihar. The planned opening is expected to boost tourism activities in Chisapani and the surrounding areas.
3.1 Kilometer Cable Car To Connect Chisapani And Rajkanda
The cable car has been constructed on the route of Chisapani Rajkanda in Kailali and has a total length of approximately 3.1 kilometers. The system includes 15 towers and 34 gondolas, while the journey between the two points is expected to take around 10 minutes. The facility is expected to handle approximately 6,000 passengers per day and give the destination massive tourism handling capacity. Its opening is expected to make the Rajkanda more accessible to tourists and other visitors traveling to the location.
The project is expected to support Chisapani’s position as an important tourism gateway in Sudurpashchim Province. By providing faster and easier access to Rajkanda, the cable car is likely to facilitate the development of tourism services and businesses in the surrounding communities. The route will also provide visitors with an opportunity to experience the landscape and attractions of the region during the cable car journey. This is expected to create more opportunities for local tourism operators due to the increased number of visitors.
Tourism Promotion Drives Investment In Sudurpashchim
Dhakal said that the project was developed to promote tourism in Sudurpashchim, which is known for its natural landscapes, religious sites and untapped tourism potential. IME Group expects the cable car to attract visitors from different parts of Nepal, including Indian tourists, which will boost tourism activity in the region. The company sees the improved connectivity to Rajkanda as an important aspect in developing the area as a more accessible tourism destination. As the number of visitors increases, it may also create demand for accommodation, food, transportation and other tourism services.
The cable car journey will start near the Karnali River and Chisapani Bridge, allowing passengers to witness the river and several religious and tourism attractions in the area. Among the sites mentioned are Jalpa Devi, Kal Bhairav, Kalika Devi and Kailash Dham, as well as attractions such as Hatti Dhunga. Combining the religious landmarks, natural scenery and other local attractions, the route is expected to have a diverse tourism character. The cable car is therefore expected to serve not only as a transportation facility, but as a part of the visitor experience.
Hotels, Resorts And Homestays Planned
IME Group has also outlined plans to develop additional tourism infrastructure alongside the cable car project. The company plans to construct a 50 bed hotel and convention hall in Chisapani and a 100 bed hotel in Rajkanda, besides homestays and resorts in the area. These facilities are expected to provide accommodation and services for visitors staying in the destination instead of making a short cable car trip. The expansion of such infrastructure is expected to further support the development of Chisapani and Rajkanda as tourism hubs.
The company has said that 2% of the cable car’s total income will be provided to the local government. IME Group expects the project to promote tourism while creating employment and business opportunities for communities in the area. Local entrepreneurs, including Kailali based businessman Surya Bahadur Thapa, are also involved as partners in the project. The participation of local businesses is expected to enhance the economic connection between the cable car and the communities around the destination.
Mountain And Terai Views Add To Visitor Appeal
Situated at an elevation of around 1,200 meters above sea level, Rajkanda offers views across the Chisapani area and the vast Terai plains. Visitors are also expected to have views of the mountain ranges of Api, Saipal, Kanjiroba and Om Parvat, which could attract them to this destination. The combination of mountain views and Terai landscapes might be appealing to visitors interested in short nature and sightseeing trips. Such scenic features may also encourage visitors to extend their stays in this area.
The project is a part of IME Group’s stated plan to develop at least one tourism related infrastructure project in every province. The company has positioned Chisapani as a gateway to Sudurpashchim Province and the meeting point of the Lumbini, Karnali and Sudurpashchim regions. IME Group has also described the Chisapani Rajkanda facility as Nepal’s longest cable car, which is attributed to the company. With the planned cable car, hotels, resorts and homestays, the project is expected to contribute to the emergence of a new tourism cluster in this region.
