Asim Bando's KOLKATA BLOG

After 8 years, ropeway of Darjeeling opened again from today. On 19 October, 2003 four tourists including kids and females were dead and many injured by the accident of ropeway. Since then, the famous ropeway of hill station remained closed. But the new government of West Bengal decided to re-open the main attraction of Darjeeling - ropeway. The tourists now can enjoy the unique scenic beauties of queen of hill station. This new ropeway have 10 trolleys, 4 persons can ride per trolley and the fare is INR 120 (per adult), INR 60 (per child). From Singsari to Takbhar, the trolley will take 15 minutes. -- A. B.

Kolkata would be beautiful like London someday - whether it is a dream or will becoming true, not known. But the administrators of the city want to do something new, something nice. A ropeway will be run from Millennium Park of Kolkata to Howrah Station. Floating jetty for steamers and arrangement of water sports will also be there. There'll be 'Kolkata Eye' on Howrah side of river just as 'London Eye'. From Nimtala Ghat to 2nd Hooghly Bridge in Kolkata side and from Howrah Station to Botanical Garden - both the banks of the river will be decorated with greens. A few multi-national companies showed interests to make the 'Marina' near the 2nd Hooghly Bridge. It'll be a floating jetty on the mid-river from which tours will be conducted for Digha, Sundarban etc. The project will be commenced next year. -- A. B.

Ropeway of hill station Darjeeling was made by the British to use as commuter of goods. But, after the independence, it became useless. During early 70s, planning was framed by the then government of West Bengal to use it for the tourists. But, change of government also changed the fate of ropeway. Now it is dead. But the new government determined to revive it. If it is, then ropeway of Darjeeling would be the best attraction of the tourists of Bengal.-- A. B.