Darjeeling Ropeway Reopens After 8 Years
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We hope that the services will definitely boost tourism of Darjeeling. It is also provides direct and indirect livelihood to many," NC Dutta, chief executive officer of the CRS, said. However forest department officials remained inconspicuous during the reopening run. A major tourist attraction, the services had been closed down following a fatal accident on October 19, 2003 which had resulted in the death of 4 passengers and had critically injured 11.
With demands of the reopening of the Ropeway from different quarters, the chief minister had assured that it would be functional from October 2011 (Durga Pujas). However owing to technical hitches the deadline could not be met. Following a thorough survey by the Metallurgical and Engineering Consultants (India) Limited (Mecon), this central government undertaking had furnished a list of technical recommendations including modern safety features.
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"I am very lucky to be the first to undertake this journey. The view of the Mount Kanchenjunga and the tea garden from the ropeway is truly breathtaking," Antara Datta, a tourist from Kolkata, said. It was a day of rejoicing for the 26 odd staff of the ropeway and the small businesses (mainly eateries) around the ropeway.
"We are really happy that the services have resumed. Till now we were looking after technical aspects preparing for this day," Amit Karki, an employee, said. The ropeway was started in 1968 by the forest development department and comprised only a single car which ran one way. Later, it was upgraded to 16 cars and went to and fro from North Point to Singla Bazar, 8 km away. The Ropeway had been revamped in 1988.
( Source - Hindustan Times)
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