MoU signed for $ 55 m cable car project between Nanu Oya and Nuwara Eliya

The first step towards building a four-kilometre-long cable car link between Nanu Oya and Nuwara Eliya with an investment of $ 55 million to boost tourism was finalised last week.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Urban Development Authority and Outdoor Engineering Lanka Ltd., a subsidiary of Sweden Outdoor Engineering Ltd., which has over 20 years of experience in handling several cable car links was signed. The project will be handed over on a 30-year lease. 

The project is being championed under President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s ‘Vistas of Prosperity and Splendour’ and supervised by Prime Minister and Urban Development Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, State Minister Dr. Nalaka Godahewa, and the UDA.

According to the Ministry, the project will be carried out within 18 months and in two phases. The MoU follows completion of feasibility study. 

The MoU signing was witnessed by Wildlife and Forest Conservation Minister C.B. Ratnayake, Urban Development Ministry Secretary Sirinimal Perera, UDA Director-General Prasad Ranaweera, and Sweden Outdoor Engineering Chairman and Outdoor Engineering Lanka Director Oswald Graber.

Cabinet of Ministers in May revalidated the project that was approved in 2019, subject to an assessment on environment, financial and operational feasibility.