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SYSTRA Strengthens Ropeway Consulting in India
Feasibility study for four-line cable car network in Nainital aims to deliver sustainable mountain mobility and reduce road congestion in Uttarakhand.
www.systra.com
In the fields of urban transport infrastructure and mountain mobility systems, SYSTRA has been appointed technical consultant for a proposed four-line ropeway network in Nainital, Uttarakhand. The project focuses on developing an aerial transport solution adapted to the Himalayan terrain, with the objective of improving accessibility while limiting pressure on existing road infrastructure.
SYSTRA Expands Ropeway Expertise in India
At the end of 2025, SYSTRA India signed a contract with UkMRC (Uttarakhand Metro Rail, Urban Infrastructure & Building Construction Corporation) to conduct a feasibility study for a ropeway network in Nainital. The study will define the technical, environmental and operational framework for a comprehensive cable car system designed to serve residents, tourists and pilgrims.
The proposed network consists of four ropeway lines forming an integrated aerial mobility system around the city.
Technical Scope of the Feasibility Study
The consultancy assignment includes:
- Route alignment and corridor analysis adapted to mountainous topography
- Evaluation of suitable ropeway technologies
- Passenger traffic forecasting
- Environmental impact assessment
The ropeway system is being considered as an alternative to road-based transport due to Nainital’s narrow mountain roads, which are frequently affected by congestion and adverse weather conditions. An aerial solution reduces dependence on ground infrastructure, limits forest disturbance, and can improve year-round accessibility.
One of the key objectives is to facilitate access to the Neem Karoli Baba Ashram, a major pilgrimage destination that generates significant seasonal travel demand.
Why Ropeways for Mountain Cities?
Cable car systems are increasingly used in mountainous and densely built environments where road expansion is constrained. Ropeways require limited land footprint compared to road widening projects and can operate independently of surface traffic conditions.
For cities such as Nainital, located in ecologically sensitive Himalayan foothills, ropeway infrastructure can support tourism growth while mitigating environmental impact when properly planned.
International Experience in Cable Transport
SYSTRA’s Indian teams will draw on the Group’s experience in cable transport projects internationally, including deployments in Toulouse and Marseille (France), Dubai (United Arab Emirates), as well as Georgia and Colombia.
In India, SYSTRA previously conducted a 2020 study for ski lift systems in the Killar Valley for the Himachal Pradesh government, strengthening its portfolio in ropeway planning and mountain transport engineering.
Through this feasibility study, SYSTRA reinforces its role in the development of ropeway systems as part of sustainable transport infrastructure strategies in India’s hill regions.
www.systra.com
One of the key objectives is to facilitate access to the Neem Karoli Baba Ashram, a major pilgrimage destination that generates significant seasonal travel demand.
Why Ropeways for Mountain Cities?
Cable car systems are increasingly used in mountainous and densely built environments where road expansion is constrained. Ropeways require limited land footprint compared to road widening projects and can operate independently of surface traffic conditions.
For cities such as Nainital, located in ecologically sensitive Himalayan foothills, ropeway infrastructure can support tourism growth while mitigating environmental impact when properly planned.
International Experience in Cable Transport
SYSTRA’s Indian teams will draw on the Group’s experience in cable transport projects internationally, including deployments in Toulouse and Marseille (France), Dubai (United Arab Emirates), as well as Georgia and Colombia.
In India, SYSTRA previously conducted a 2020 study for ski lift systems in the Killar Valley for the Himachal Pradesh government, strengthening its portfolio in ropeway planning and mountain transport engineering.
Through this feasibility study, SYSTRA reinforces its role in the development of ropeway systems as part of sustainable transport infrastructure strategies in India’s hill regions.
www.systra.com
