Chennai Metro Plans Ropeway to Boost Tourism Infrastructure Across Tamil Nadu
The Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) has embarked on a strategic initiative to explore the feasibility of introducing ropeway-based transport systems across Tamil Nadu, a move poised to revolutionise tourism infrastructure and enhance urban mobility. This forward-thinking approach, aligned with a recent state budget announcement, targets popular tourist destinations such as Mahabalipuram, Ooty, and Kodaikanal, aiming to alleviate congestion and offer eco-friendly, efficient transport solutions. This push towards innovative aerial transit underscores a commitment to developing sustainable, equitable cities that balance economic growth with environmental preservation.
One of the flagship proposals involves a two-kilometre aerial ropeway in Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its ancient rock-cut temples. This proposed system aims to seamlessly connect the new bus terminal with the iconic Shore Temple, offering tourists a breathtakingly scenic journey while significantly reducing ground-level traffic and its associated emissions. Such projects are pivotal for promoting zero net carbon tourism, as ropeways consume less energy than traditional road transport and have a minimal land footprint, preserving the natural and historical integrity of these sensitive sites.
The initiative extends beyond heritage zones, with similar ropeway systems being considered for the popular hill stations of Ooty and Kodaikanal. These destinations frequently grapple with severe road congestion and limited transport options, especially during peak tourist seasons, impacting both visitor experience and local environmental quality. The introduction of ropeways here promises to offer a sustainable alternative, easing traffic burdens, enhancing air quality, and ensuring more predictable travel times for both tourists and local communities, thereby fostering more equitable access to these natural wonders.
CMRL has already invited Expressions of Interest (EOIs) from consultants to conduct detailed feasibility studies for these projects. These studies will meticulously evaluate various critical aspects, including optimal route alignment, potential environmental impact, technical viability, and comprehensive cost estimations. This rigorous preliminary stage is crucial for ensuring that the chosen solutions are not only economically sound but also environmentally responsible and socially inclusive, contributing to the broader goal of resilient urban development.
Beyond the tourist circuits, CMRL is also assessing the viability of integrating ropeway systems within Chennai itself. Two potential segments have been identified in the city’s burgeoning IT and coastal corridor: a 1.7-kilometre stretch connecting the Taramani MRTS station to Kandanchavadi Metro, and a subsequent one-kilometre extension from Kandanchavadi to Palavakkam along the East Coast Road (ECR). While these urban projects are still in their nascent stages with no fixed timelines, they signify a proactive vision for future urban mobility, aiming to create more gender-neutral and accessible public transport options.
Tamil Nadu’s embrace of ropeway transport mirrors successful precedents in other states like Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Gujarat, where such systems have proven effective in navigating challenging terrains and enhancing connectivity in high-footfall areas. This progressive step by CMRL could redefine the state’s transport landscape, offering innovative, low-carbon transit solutions that reduce urban sprawl, promote pedestrian-friendly zones, and elevate the overall visitor and commuter experience. The outcomes of these feasibility studies will be eagerly awaited by stakeholders, poised to unlock a new era of sustainable tourism and urban development for the region.
