In a move towards green urban mobility, Delhi plans to introduce cable cars across the Yamuna. The ropeways will connect metro stations on both sides, offering an efficient, non-polluting alternative to traditional road transport.
BY PC Bureau
Delhi Lieutenant Governor (LG) VK Saxena has directed the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) to initiate site surveys and selection for installing ropeways or cableways to transport passengers across the Yamuna River in cable cars. The initiative, aimed at offering a non-polluting public transport alternative, follows a recent meeting chaired by the LG to explore eco-friendly transport options.
Once operational, the ropeways will function during fixed hours from morning to night, using cable cars with a capacity of approximately 50 passengers each. The project promises to provide Delhi residents with an efficient and green mode of transport across the river.
The DDA, as the custodian of the Yamuna floodplains, will identify suitable sites near metro stations on both banks of the river. These locations will avoid encroaching on or concretizing the floodplain, ensuring minimal environmental impact. The LG has stressed that the sites should be within walkable distances from Metro and DTC nodes to promote walking and reduce reliance on vehicles.
“This initiative will not only provide a non-polluting mode of river crossing but will also encourage walking as part of daily routines, fostering healthier lifestyles,” the LG emphasized.
The ropeways are expected to alleviate road traffic, reduce air pollution, and offer shorter, more direct travel routes. By providing an alternative to buses, autos, and private vehicles, the project aims to ease congestion on bridges and roads while saving travel time for commuters.
The LG also highlighted the existing practice of prioritizing pedestrian accessibility in areas like Baansera and Asita, where parking is intentionally located far from the main park areas to encourage walking and promote physical fitness.
The DDA has been instructed to submit a preliminary report on the ropeway project within a month. If successful, the project could serve as a transformative New Year gift to the people of Delhi, combining environmental sustainability with enhanced public transport infrastructure.
