Kathmandu: The foundation stone for the construction of the Pathibhara Cable Car, which will connect to the renowned religious site Pathibhara Temple in Taplejung, was laid on Friday.

Constituent Assembly member Dambar Dhoj Tumbahamphe and Fungling Municipality Mayor Amir Maden jointly inaugurated the project at the starting point in Kaflepat, performing rituals before the ceremony.

The event, attended by representatives of political parties and local residents, commenced with chants praising Goddess Pathibhara.

Chief of the construction company Himalaya Construction, Indra Kedem, stated, “We inaugurated the cable car construction in the presence of representatives from all political parties, respected officials, and local residents. The work will now proceed at a swift pace.”

Mayor Maden highlighted that the Pathibhara Cable Car is not only a project of one company but a cornerstone for the economic, social, and cultural development of Taplejung and the entire Koshi Province. He emphasized the need for collective support to advance the construction work rapidly.

Rudra Paudel, a member of the cable car company’s board, noted that trees in the project area had already been cleared and the formal groundbreaking was conducted on Friday.

According to Paudel, the cable car service will be operational within 15 months. He added that the project will promote tourism, create jobs, maintain environmental balance, and contribute to economic and social development.