Long haul: A national ropeway policy would aid urban mobility

This 'touristy' mode of transport can be integrated with transit systems to serve urban commuters

- KAVEREE BAMZAI

From connecting tea gardens in Darjeeling in 1968 and India's first bi-cable gondola-style ride for tourists in Mussoorie in 1971, ropeways have evolved into a viable mode of public transport. Compared to traditional transit systems, they require minimal land acquisition and emit less carbon than electric buses. While their relatively low capacity, typically 2,500 to 4,500 passengers per hour (for mono-cable detachable gondolas) limits them from replacing metro systems, they excel in medium-density corridors and last-mile connectivity; they can thus be integrated with other public transit networks.

According to Rajaji Meshram of the Infravision Foundation, in comparison the per-kilometre cost of metro construction ranges from ₹200 crore to ₹600 crore, making it one of the most expensive public transport investments. Ridership levels in metros often fall short of projected estimates across most cities. Nearly 70% of potential metro users cite inadequate links with stations as a deterrent.