Mankamana Cable Car: Celebrating a Quarter-Century of Scenic Success

KATHMANDU, Nov 23:The Mankamana Cable Car, Nepal's first cable car service, has officially completed 26th years of operation and is now entering its 27th year. Established with the vision and investment of the late Laxman Babu Shrestha, the cable car has significantly contributed to promoting tourism in the Mankamana area, a renowned Hindu pilgrimage site.

In a press statement to commemorate this milestone, Mankamana Darshan Pvt. Ltd., the operating company, expressed gratitude for the service's success and commitment to improving future operations. "On the occasion of the 26th anniversary, we would like to pay emotional tribute to late Laxman Babu Shrestha, the founder and visionary of the cable car service in Nepal, remembering his adventure and historic decision," said the company.

The cable car service began construction in January 1998 and commenced commercial operations on November 8, 1999 (2055 in the Nepali calendar). Despite facing challenges during a time of armed conflict in Nepal, the company successfully attracted significant investment and enthusiasm from both local and international stakeholders. Today, it serves approximately 1.1 million passengers annually, with a target of reaching 1.25 million by year-end.

Over its 26th years of operation, Mankamana Cable Car has evolved technologically. The managing director, Rajesh Babu Shrestha, said that the company has upgraded from analog technology to a modern digital system known as D-Connect, developed by Austrian company Doppelmayr. This upgrade was completed in 2021. "About 45 crore rupees invested to upgrade the cable car," Shrestha said.

At first, it served one million passengers every year. Currently, it serves 1.2 million passengers. Manakamana Darshan Pvt Ltd said in a press statement that it plans to serve 1.35 million passengers this year.

In addition to technological advancements, Mankamana Darshan Pvt. Ltd. is also developing a new 40-room resort at the cable car's base, expected to open by early 2025. This facility will include a swimming pool, health club, seminar hall, and restaurant services. The investment for this resort is estimated at around 55 crore rupees and will be operated under the name of their sister organization, Resorts by Mankamana Cable Car Pvt. Ltd.

The impact of the Mankamana Cable Car extends beyond tourism; it has played a pivotal role in establishing Mankamana as a premier destination for both domestic and international visitors. The service has not only improved accessibility to the temple but has also enhanced local economic development through increased tourist traffic.

According to the press statement, in accordance with the corporate social responsibility policy, 1% of the total income from the sale of cable car tickets is donated annually to Shahid Lakhan Rural Municipality of Gorkha and Ichhakamana Rural Municipality of Chitwan for development, education, health, cultural heritage preservation, underprivileged welfare, and natural disaster relief.

The company remains committed to its social responsibility initiatives, supporting local communities through various programs focused on health, education, and disaster relief. During the devastating Gorkha earthquake in 2015, Mankamana Darshan Pvt. Ltd. provided essential supplies to several affected villages.

As it moves forward into its next chapter, Mankamana Cable Car continues to honor Laxman Babu Shrestha's legacy while striving for excellence in service delivery and community engagement. The company expressed heartfelt thanks to all passengers and stakeholders who have contributed to its journey over the past quarter-century.

With its rich history and ambitious plans for future growth, the Mankamana Cable Car stands as a testament to Nepal's potential in tourism and infrastructure development.