Saturday, June 14, 2025
Delhi to Launch Aerial Ropeway Over the Yamuna River Aiming to Revolutionize Urban Transport and Tourism
In a major leap toward transforming urban transport in the national capital, Delhi is gearing up to introduce an innovative aerial ropeway system along the iconic Yamuna River. This proposed development aims to merge mobility with tourism, offering passengers breathtaking views of the city’s heritage landmarks, historic riverscapes, and vibrant neighborhoods. Designed as a scenic and practical solution, the ropeway will provide an elevated alternative for daily commuting while also drawing interest from tourists.
The planned ropeway system is being conceptualized with a high capacity to accommodate the growing transportation needs of the city. Engineers are designing the infrastructure to handle up to 3,000 passengers per hour in each direction. Each gondola, suspended above ground, will be capable of carrying between eight and ten individuals. This configuration ensures efficient transport across the river while allowing passengers to enjoy uninterrupted panoramic views of Delhi’s diverse urban and natural environment.
The project is expected to originate from the Kalindi Aviral initiative, an ecological restoration project along the western floodplains of the Yamuna. The initiative covers approximately 163 hectares, stretching from National Highway 24 to the Barapullah drain. One of the major components already completed within this corridor is Baansera Park, a green space located near Sarai Kale Khan that has become a model for riverbank rejuvenation. The ropeway is envisioned as a key addition to this eco-friendly development, supporting both accessibility and sustainability.
At present, the precise details of the route—including the starting and ending points, the number of intermediate stations, and the exact locations of the support towers—are still under evaluation. However, groundwork for the next phase has already begun. The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) is in the process of selecting a contractor to carry out an extensive feasibility study. This will include technical surveys to determine the viability and optimal alignment of the ropeway system across the selected stretch of the Yamuna River.
A formal Request for Proposal (RFP) has been issued by the DDA to identify and appoint a consulting firm to undertake this preliminary phase. The consultant’s responsibilities will include conducting a benchmarking study that compares ropeway systems globally. This comparative analysis will focus on various key parameters such as terrain suitability, operational capacity, alignment length, and system efficiency. The goal is to develop a system tailored to Delhi’s unique geographical and logistical demands while drawing from international best practices.
In addition to the technical evaluation, the appointed consultant will also be responsible for generating preliminary cost estimates and financial projections for the ropeway’s development. A comprehensive economic and financial analysis will assess the long-term sustainability and profitability of the project. The analysis will include sensitivity studies to anticipate risks and evaluate how various factors—such as ridership numbers and construction costs—might impact project outcomes.
Equally important are the studies related to the ropeway’s social and environmental impact. These assessments will examine how the construction and operation of the system might affect surrounding communities and ecological zones. Findings from these studies will be critical in shaping a project that aligns with environmental sustainability goals and supports community welfare.
The implementation timeline for the ropeway has been set at 18 months from the date construction begins. Once operational, the ropeway is expected to ease traffic congestion, offer an alternative mode of transportation, and serve as a major attraction in Delhi’s tourism portfolio. The initiative reflects a broader shift toward innovative, sustainable urban mobility solutions in one of the world’s most densely populated cities.
This upcoming project stems from a directive issued in early January for the DDA to identify suitable locations for developing ropeway and cableway infrastructure across the Yamuna. The aim is to introduce an efficient and visually captivating means of public transport that complements the capital’s evolving infrastructure and growing demand for sustainable urban solutions.
