Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) has taken the first steps towards evaluating ropeway-based transport systems across key tourist hubs in Tamil Nadu. The initiative is aligned with the state government’s broader mission to introduce sustainable, innovative, and efficient transport solutions in high-footfall destinations. Among the primary sites under assessment is Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where a two-kilometre aerial ropeway is being proposed.
The link aims to connect the soon-to-be-constructed bus terminal with the iconic Shore Temple, offering tourists not only a scenic view of the ancient coastal town but also an alternative to road-based congestion. Officials have confirmed that the project is currently in the feasibility study phase, with tenders floated to invite consultants for technical and environmental assessments. This ropeway plan forms part of a wider blueprint to deploy cable-propelled transport in challenging terrains and tourist-centric regions. Hill stations such as Ooty and Kodaikanal have also been identified as potential locations, given their growing tourist inflow and the strain it places on conventional road networks. These hill towns experience chronic traffic issues during peak seasons, and an aerial mobility solution could offer a cleaner, quicker alternative.
CMRL sources state that the feasibility studies will include detailed examinations of route alignments, environmental clearances, project viability, and cost-benefit analyses. Importantly, they noted that the state is looking at environmentally conscious designs that blend with the local ecology and heritage, without disturbing the fragile natural surroundings. Closer to the city, CMRL is also exploring ropeway links within Chennai to improve last-mile connectivity, especially in the IT corridor and along the East Coast Road. Proposed segments include a 1.7-kilometre stretch from Taramani MRTS to Kandanchavadi Metro station, and a one-kilometre extension further up to Palavakkam. These links, while in nascent stages, signal a future-focused vision for urban transit.
Experts have welcomed the plan, drawing comparisons with similar projects in Gujarat, Uttarakhand, and Himachal Pradesh, where ropeways have improved accessibility without increasing carbon footprints. They believe that if implemented efficiently, Tamil Nadu could set a benchmark for integrating sustainable transport with heritage conservation. However, officials remain cautious, indicating that these proposals are still preliminary and subject to outcome of the feasibility reports. No timelines have been committed yet, and public consultations and environmental appraisals are expected to play a key role in shaping the final blueprint.
If realised, the project could offer a significant step towards decarbonising tourism-linked mobility, while preserving the historical and ecological essence of Tamil Nadu’s most cherished destinations.
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