Sreedharan said the system could serve an estimated 5,000 to 6,000 passengers per hour, while avoiding the need to widen roads or acquire extensive land for a conventional metro corridor. He also indicated that an urban ropeway could cost about one-third as much as a metro system.
The proposal referred to ropeway systems operating in Bolivia and Mexico, along with the recently completed system in Varanasi. Sreedharan recommended that KMRL’s technical director visit Varanasi to study its operation before the city takes a decision on a third Metro line. He also suggested visits to systems in Bolivia and Mexico.
The recommendation comes amid his reservations about the proposed Aluva-Angamaly Metro extension through Nedumbassery. Sreedharan said the extension could face a ridership challenge if other planned rail links to the airport are built, including a Southern Railway station at Nedumbassery Airport and a high-speed rail connection proposed by Delhi Metro Rail (DMRC) from Tripunithura and Palarivattom.
The proposed DMRC connection is expected to have a 10-minute journey time and a fare of about Rs. 100. Sreedharan also cited the financial performance of the Delhi Metro airport link, which carries more than 60,000 passengers but has not achieved operational profits. Instead of the airport extension, he suggested an elevated Metro corridor from Aroor to Varapuzha via Edappally along the National Highway bypass. A copy of the proposal was sent to the Transport Department Secretary.