Gadkari pitches for cable cars to decongest traffic
This (cable cars and ropeways) will save both fuel cost and time and also help reduce road accidents in hilly areas NITIN GADKARI, Union minister
Union minister for road transport and highways Nitin Gadkari said the country needs futuristic technology and cutting-edge solutions to develop its transport sector, stressing the need to cut down road congestion and reduce pollution in cities.
Gadkari was speaking at an event here on Monday where a memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between public sector enterprise WAPCOS Limited and Doppelmayr, an Austrian company which makes ropeways and cable cars as modern transport solutions, to build such infrastructure in India.
“This is a historic day as it will change the face of urban transport in the country. Cable cars and ropeways have already proven to be successful in Bolivia, Vietnam, Switzerland and many other countries. This will save both fuel cost and time and also help reduce road accidents in hilly areas,” Gadkari said. He said such transport options could also be very useful for tier-two cities (with a population between 50,000 to 99,999). He expressed hope that once such modes of transport start, it would motivate people to shift from personal to public transport.
The Union minister said the government was also exploring the use of new kinds of vehicles such as hybrid aeroboats that combine land, water and aviation technology and can run on land, water and air at speeds greater than 80 kilometres per hour.
The MoU with the Austrian firm includes preparing feasibility studies, detailed project reports, construction, and supply of equipment, operation and maintenance. It will enable the development of ropeway projects in various states using globally accepted standards for passenger safety and reliability, the transport ministry said in a statement.
“Our government is continuously working on bringing new technologies for improving transportation facilities and reducing pollution. This project is also important for tourism and for economic development of northeastern states,” Gadkari said.