In a landmark move for urban transport and tourism in the capital, the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) has unveiled plans for a ropeway system along the Yamuna River. Designed to enhance the city’s tourism infrastructure while easing surface traffic, this innovative project will provide panoramic aerial views of Delhi’s iconic religious and heritage landmarks.
Expected to become a major tourist attraction, the ropeway will also serve as an eco-friendly transit option, aligning with broader efforts to rejuvenate the Yamuna floodplains under the Kalindi Aviral project.
Ropeway Project Highlights: A Blend of Heritage, Mobility, and Sustainability
Aims and Scope
- Tourism Boost: Offers aerial views of Old Delhi, religious landmarks, and riverbanks.
- Transport Solution: Designed to help decongest city roads by offering an alternative mode of transport.
- Eco-Friendly Infrastructure: Minimal land acquisition planned; towers to be installed on government land or existing rights-of-way.
Project Features
- Passenger Capacity: Up to 3,000 passengers per hour per direction.
- Gondola Size: Each cabin to accommodate 8–10 passengers.
- Location: Likely to begin from the Kalindi Aviral stretch (NH24 to Barapullah drain), which includes Baansera Park.
- Execution Model: Public-Private Partnership (PPP) under Design, Build, Finance, Operate and Transfer (DBFOT) mode.
- Construction Timeline: 18 months from the start date post-approval.
Quick Facts Table
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Project Type | Ropeway System |
| Location | Along Yamuna River, Delhi |
| Initiating Agency | Delhi Development Authority (DDA) |
| Passenger Capacity | 3,000 passengers/hour/direction |
| Gondola Capacity | 8–10 passengers |
| Project Model | PPP under DBFOT |
| Current Phase | Feasibility Study and Site Survey |
| Estimated Construction Time | 18 months post-approval |
| Tourism Integration | Panoramic views of Old Delhi and religious landmarks |
DDA’s Vision: Transport Meets Tourism
According to DDA officials, the project goes beyond mere transportation and seeks to offer a rich cultural and visual experience. “We are looking at this not just as transport, but as a tourism and heritage experience,” a senior official explained.
The ropeway is part of a broader plan to revitalize the Yamuna floodplains, with the Kalindi Aviral project already transforming parts of the western riverbank into eco-parks and leisure zones.
Feasibility Study and Global Benchmarking
A Request for Proposal (RFP) has already been issued to onboard a consultant who will:
- Conduct benchmarking studies of international ropeway systems.
- Evaluate suitability of technologies based on Delhi’s topography and climate.
- Perform demand assessments using primary and secondary data.
- Carry out social and environmental impact assessments.
- Propose parking infrastructure for peak and future demand.
The study will also determine the ropeway route, intermediate stations, tower placement, and cost estimates for implementation.
What Officials Are Saying
“The aerial transit line is aimed at increasing tourism and decongesting traffic and providing a unique commuter and tourist experience,” said a DDA official.
“The consultant shall identify critical success factors, assess various ropeway technologies and suggest the best standards considering the project function and location,” the RFP stated.
Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena has also directed DDA to identify suitable sites for ropeway or cable car systems, particularly to cross the Yamuna efficiently and attractively.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the purpose of the Yamuna ropeway project?
The ropeway aims to boost tourism by offering scenic views of Delhi’s heritage areas while serving as an alternate, eco-friendly mode of transport to reduce road congestion.
2. Where will the ropeway begin and end?
While the exact start and end points are yet to be finalized, it is expected to begin near the Kalindi Aviral project stretch, covering areas from NH24 to Barapullah drain.
3. Who is developing the project?
The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) is spearheading the project under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.
4. What is the capacity of the ropeway system?
It is designed to carry up to 3,000 passengers per hour per direction, with each gondola accommodating 8 to 10 people.
5. How long will the project take to build?
Once the feasibility and planning phases are complete, the construction timeline is estimated at 18 months.