Bhubaneswar, June 24: Visitors to Nandankanan Zoological Park will once again get a chance to ride the ropeway that has been lying defunct for over four years now.

The zoo authorities have floated tender inviting firms that would operate the ropeway.

"We have invited tenders from individuals, firms or entrepreneurs for operation of the bi-cable gondola passenger ropeway system. The bid winner will have to install, maintain and operate the ropeway on its own and will also pay licence fee to the authorities for the purpose," said deputy director of Nandankanan Zoological Park Jayant Das.

He also said the licence for the operation of the ropeway would be for a period of 20 years.

The winner of the tender will be announced on July 16 when the papers are opened.

A technical committee will examine the cable and other accessories that will be used by the private firm.

Whoever wins the bid will be instructed to complete the work as early as possible and start operation, said sources.

Over the years the ropeway, which was introduced in 1994 to ferry passengers from the zoo to the botanical garden passing over the Kanjia lake, became one of the major attractions for visitors.

However, the authorities were forced to temporarily disrupt the service in October 2010 after 13 tourists had to be rescued from a cable car hanging precariously from the ropeway.

Though the zoo authorities had resumed the service in December 2010, it was shut down in February 2011 for safety reasons. The 620-metre long ropeway used to draw around 13,000 visitors every year with its private operator charging Rs 30 per passenger.

The private operator's licence was terminated.

Visitors said they would love to enjoy the ride here if the ropeway became operational. "We are waiting for the service to resume. It is the only facility in and around the city," said Moumita Nayak, a college student.

Zoo officials said they would urge the private party to finish the work within two to three months so that visitors could again enjoy the ride. The new rate for the ride would be decided considering the bid value and with consultation with the private party, said another official.

The state government is also mulling a similar facility at Dhauli.