The government has included the Sikles Annapurna Cable Car project, which is being built with private sector investment, in the list of national priority projects. A meeting of the National Planning Commission held on 24th Magh (February 6, 2025) made the decision to include this project under national priority.
The Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration had formally requested the National Planning Commission to recognize the proposed 6.416-kilometer-long Sikles Annapurna Cable Car project, which is to be built in wards 1 and 2 of Madi Municipality in Kaski, as a national priority project. This decision follows the ministry’s initiative to enhance the region’s infrastructure and tourism potential.
The National Planning Commission further explained that the project has been included due to its need for land-use rights in forest areas, which is a critical part of the cable car’s route. Additionally, the project will be governed under the Industrial Business Act of 2076 (2019), which provides the legal framework for such developments. Consequently, the Sikles Annapurna Cable Car project has been categorized as a national priority industry, highlighting its significance for economic growth, tourism, and regional development.
Sikles Annapurna Cable Car Pvt. Ltd., a private company, is leading the construction of the cable car system. The lower station will be located in Ward 1 of Madi Municipality, while the upper station will be in Ward 2 of the same municipality, both in Kaski District. This project aims to provide easy and efficient access to Sikles, a popular tourist destination located in the Annapurna region.
Sikles is predominantly inhabited by the Gurung ethnic community, making it an important cultural and tourist hub in the region. The cable car is expected to significantly enhance the tourism sector in this area, attracting both national and international visitors to the region. The cost of building the cable car system is estimated at nearly 7 billion Nepali rupees, highlighting the scale of the project.
However, the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report for the Sikles Annapurna Cable Car project reveals that the construction will require the removal of nearly 3,801 trees and poles, primarily due to the construction of the cable car’s route. This significant environmental impact has raised concerns, but it is expected that appropriate mitigation measures will be implemented to minimize the environmental damage, as outlined in the EIA.
The inclusion of this project in the national priority list is seen as a step forward in improving infrastructure, promoting tourism, and boosting the local economy in the Kaski region. It is expected that the cable car will make Sikles more accessible, increase tourism revenue, and provide job opportunities for the local community.
