. Promoted by IME Group, Lumbini Cablecar Limited has made significant financial progress in a short period of commercial operation. According to ICRA Rating Agency (ICRA), the cable car operating from Butwal of Rupan dehi to Bas antapur of Palpa has earned a total operating income of Rs. 123 million in the fiscal year 2081/82.

In the previous financial year 2080/81, the company had a turnover of Rs. 13.30 crores. This cable car which came into operation from May 29, 2023 is playing an important role in reviving religious and tourism activities of Lumbini Province. The company is owned by Chandra Prasad Dhakal, President of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI).

Five-star hotel worth 2.25 billion in Palpa

The company has initiated the process of constructing five-star hotels in Cable Car Upper Station (Palpa Basantapur). The estimated cost of the hotel project is Rs 2.25 billion. Currently, the design of the hotel is in the initial stage.

The company is in talks with banks and financial institutions (FIs) for loan financing to raise capital for the construction of the hotel. Further, the company also plans to raise additional capital through an initial public offering (IP O) in the near future.

Financial Condition and Debt Management

The company has issued right shares worth Rs 57.70 crore and has paid Rs 23 crore in advance. As a result, the company’s debt burden has been reduced. The operating profit margin of the company is around 50 percent. Which is considered positive from a business point of view.

Despite the business success, the company is facing some challenges.According to ICRA Nepal, the number of passengers boarding the cable car has declined by 26 percent in the fiscal year 2 025. As a result, there has been some contraction in operating income.

In addition to , with other hotels with and hotels operating in the Butwal-Bhai rahawa area, and the fluctuations in the tourism sector are seen as challenges for the company. Since the hotel project is a big investment, the main responsibility of the company will be to complete the construction on time and manage the finances.

Religious Tourism Center

There are religious structures such as the Kamakhya Devi Temple, Shiva Vahan Nandi and the 100-year-old Bhagwati Temple in the Basantapur area.This area has become a major attraction especially for Indian tourists and domestic tourists.

ICRA Nepal has retained its rating at ‘B Plus’ considering its financial health and the experience of its promoters.IME Group has the experience of operating Chandragiri and Maulakali cable car before this, so this project is expected to give good results in the long run.