📋 Tender Overview
Project Name
Kathmandu Valley Urban Transportation System Project (Ropeway)
Project Number
59163-001
Country / Economy
Nepal
Project Status
Proposed
Project Type / Modality of Assistance
Technical Assistance
Source of Funding / Amount
TA: Kathmandu Valley Urban Transportation System Project (Ropeway)
Technical Assistance Special Fund US$ 1.50 million
Sector / Subsector
Transport / Urban public transport
Gender
Some gender elements
Description
ADB has initiated support for sustainable cable car transit in Kathmandu Valley, conducting a pre-feasibility study that identified the Bishnumati river corridor as a suitable route, avoiding UNESCO sites and religious areas. Despite limited local capacity to manage urban and rural transport effectively, the study shows potential for cable-propelled transit to reduce congestion and pollution. Current private sector cable car projects in Nepal mainly cater to tourism, while the need for accessible, affordable public transport solutions remains unmet. To bridge this gap, ADB's TA will include a detailed feasibility study for the Bishnumati corridor and pre-feasibility analysis for two rural routes, assessing demand, economic viability, propulsion systems, and freight options. The project will integrate advanced clean energy components, including renewable energy integration, electric propulsion systems, regenerative braking, digital twins for energy efficiency, battery storage feasibility, and Finite Element Analysis (FEA) for optimizing energy and structural efficiency. The project will support capacity building for cable propelled transit (CPT) systems, focusing on integrating clean energy technologies through training, workshops, and institutional strengthening to enhance operational and technical expertise. It will also aim to create a robust, sustainable public transport framework by integrating policy development, organizational support, regulatory standards, and resilience measures.
Project Rationale and Linkage to Country/Regional Strategy
Kathmandu Valley faces pressing transportation issues, with high traffic congestion, limited public transport options, and poor connectivity, especially rural areas. With the Valley's population projected to grow from around 3 million in 2021 to over 6 million by 2030, the existing transport infrastructure struggles to meet demand. In addition, rural populations are particularly underserved, as only 17% of residents have year-round road access, limiting their mobility and economic opportunities. Women, as well as other vulnerable groups, especially those from rural areas face challenges of affordability (as they have less or no income), accessibility, and safety in using existing public transport systems (e.g. no separate seating spaces, spaces for young children, prams, and wheelchairs). Addressing these needs requires expanding the transport network through sustainable and inclusive options, which would provide equitable access for all and sup
