GOVERNMENT OF KARNATAKA INITIATIVE · Promote sustainable/ eco tourism. ... Improving the Tourism Infrastructure Scenario ... GOVERNMENT OF KARNATAKA INITIATIVE .

Detailed Project Report

PROJECT REPORT

GOVERNMENT OF KARNATAKA INITIATIVE

DEVELOPMENT OF CABLE CARS AT 4 LOCATIONS IN KARNATAKA

TOURISM PROJECTS FOR INVESTMENT

OPPORTUNITIES

INVEST KARNATAKA 2016

January 2016

Development of Cable car at 4 locations in Karnataka


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Table of contents

1. Introduction ....................................................................................................... 4

1.1 Background .............................................................................................................................. 4

1.2 Tourism Policy .......................................................................................................................... 4

1.3 Objectives ................................................................................................................................ 5

1.4 Approach and Methodology .................................................................................................... 5

1.5 Need for the Project ................................................................................................................ 7

2. Overview of 4 Locations ................................................................................. 8

2.1 Chamundi Hills ......................................................................................................................... 8

2.2 Nandi Hills .............................................................................................................................. 11

2.3 Kemmannugundi – Chikkamagalur ........................................................................................ 14

2.4 Madhugiri Fort ....................................................................................................................... 17

2.5 Need for the Project: ................................................................ Error! Bookmark not defined.

3. Overview of Cable Cars ................................................................................. 20

3.2 Technicality Involved ............................................................................................................. 21

3.3 Challenges .............................................................................................................................. 22

3.4 Usage of cable cars ................................................................................................................ 23

4. Project Concept ............................................................................................... 24

4.1 Project Component ................................................................................................................ 24

4.2 Distribution of Infrastructure ................................................................................................ 28

4.3 Project Cost ............................................................................................................................ 28

4.4 Project Drivers ....................................................................................................................... 28

5. Annexure-1 ....................................................................................................... 30



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List of Tables

Table 1: Comprehensive list of project components at 4 locations for cable car project .................... 24

Table 2: Annual footfalls at 4 destinations ........................................................................................... 25

Table 3: Indicative project component requirement for Chamundi Hills ............................................. 25

Table 4: Indicative project component requirement for Nandi Hills .................................................... 26

Table 5: Indicative project component requirement for Kemmannugundi ......................................... 27

List of Figures

Figure 1: Approach to the study ............................................................................................................. 6

Figure 2: Temple at Chamundi Hills ........................................................................................................ 8

Figure 3: Location of Chamundi Hills on map ......................................................................................... 9

Figure 4: View of Hills and Temple at Nandi Hills ................................................................................. 11

Figure 5: View of Kemmannugundi, Chikkamagalur ............................................................................. 15

Figure 6: View of Madhugiri Fort .......................................................................................................... 17

Figure 7: Location of Madhugiri Fort .................................................................................................... 18

Figure 8: View of Mono Detachable cable car ...................................................................................... 21

Figure 9: View of Bi - Cable Detachable Gondola ................................................................................. 22

Figure 10: Cable car connecting Sentosa Island and Mount Faber – attracting large number of

footfalls ................................................................................................................................................. 23

Figure 11: Mexico urban cable car transport system ........................................................................... 23

Figure 12: Cable car view at Mt. Titlis ................................................................................................... 31

Figure 13: Mount Titlis cable car routes ............................................................................................... 32

Figure 14: View of Mount Titlis Cable Car ............................................................................................. 33

Figure 15: Emirates Airlines Cable Car across Thames river, London ................................................... 35

Figure 16: View of cable cars ................................................................................................................ 36

Figure 17: The Emirates Airlines cable car service in London ............................................................... 36

Figure 18: Route Map ........................................................................................................................... 37

Figure 19: Local attractions for the tourists .......................................................................................... 38

Figure 20L Bisrd's eye view of the cable car routes .............................................................................. 39

Figure 21: View of the open deck of the cable car ............................................................................... 40

Figure 22: Open deck of the cable car as visualized ............................................................................. 41

Figure 23:Darjeeling Ropeway .............................................................................................................. 43

Figure 24: View of Gulmarg Gondola .................................................................................................... 44

Figure 25: View of Auli Cable Car, Uttarakhand ................................................................................... 45

Figure 26: Scenic beauty offerred by Auli cable car .............................................................................. 45

Figure 27: Raigad Ropeway ................................................................................................................... 46



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1. Introduction

1.1 Background

Department of Tourism (DoT) Government of Karnataka (GoK) is determined to boost

the tourism industry in the state. The Tourism Sector has been identified as one of the

key sectors propelling the country’s economic growth. Karnataka State has been

ranked as the 3rd preferred destination among domestic tourists in the tourism sector.

Karnataka’s thriving economy has created many opportunities across the State in the

last decade.

For GoK, the tourism sector constitutes a real priority because it is an important sector

for the generation of employment, therefore various initiatives are been undertaken

with the involvement of all stakeholders, both public and private, that will foster a

more favourable environment for the development and consolidation of the tourism

sector. One of the initiatives in this direction is the formulation of Karnataka Tourism

Policy for 2015-20.

GoK intends to encourage the investors to invest in the tourism sector. A host of

incentives and concessions are provided to the investors in tourism sector, in the New

Tourism Policy for 2015-20. A large emphasize has been laid on enhancing hospitality

services and standards, promoting innovative developments and rejuvenation of older

tourist attractions, with the aim of offering visitors the experience that will

commensurate with higher expectations.

With this background, DoT has prepared a shelf of Project Reports of potential tourism

projects which could be undertaken for development along with collaboration with the

Private sector. Development of cable cars at 4 tourist locations in Karnataka locations

namely Chamundi hills, Nandi hills, Kemmannugundi hills and Madhugiri is one of the

projects identified for development.

1.2 Tourism Policy

Karnataka Tourism Policy 2015 – 2020 also emphasizes upon undertaking an effort for

developing Projects such as golf courses, cruise tourism, large entertainment studios,

entertainment parks (small, medium and large), cable cars, tourism trains, filmcity, etc. to

cater to different user segments. As per the Policy, various concessions and incentives are

also offered by the GoK for developing projects in tourism sector.



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1.3 Objectives

GoK intends to develop the Cable Cars at 4 locations in Karnataka to:

i. Provide varied experience to the tourists.

ii. Attract footfalls, encourage extended stays and provide a wholesome

experience to the tourists.

iii. Promote sustainable/ eco tourism.

iv. Encourage entrepreneurship and livelihood opportunities for the locals.

v. Encourage and promote Private Sector Participation in the development of

tourism sector.

The Tourism Policy 2015-20 would act as a catalyst to promote development of

tourism infrastructure and related facilities. The utmost importance would hence be

given to the developments under Public Private Partnership (PPP) framework.

One of the key initiatives of DoT in the regard is to explore the possibility of setting up

of cable cars in a suitable location near Nandi Hiils, Chamundi Hills, Kemmannugundi

hills and Madhugiri on a Public Private Partnership (PPP) basis.

1.4 Approach and Methodology

The Approach to the entire assignment is depicted in the flow chart below. The

detailed analysis and inferences drawn at each stage have been covered in detail in

the each of the following sections.



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The overall framework for the assignment is explained in the figure above. The

assignment would involve the key initiatives elaborated below:

i. Assessment of the cable car industry would involve the following tasks:

Overall trends, analysis, key drivers and market share analysis including key sub-

sectors.

Economic advantage, key infrastructure requirement, revenue spinner effect, etc.

Review of case studies of similar cable car infrastructures established in India and

abroad, to arrive at the activities, components, footfalls, prices points and other key

success drivers for the Project.

ii. Assessment of demand, infrastructure & support facilities would involve the

following tasks:

Identification of various normative standards for quantifying the demand.

Demand estimation, scenario analysis and indicative pricing points.

Infrastructure support required to realize the demand.

Potential market share for the proposed Project.

Figure 1: Approach to the study



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iii. Preparation of tender documents for inviting tenders on a PPP framework would

involve the following tasks:

Listing of key development regulations applicable for developing cable cars.

Minimum design and safety standards.

Preparation of technical schedules.

iv. Bid process management for selection of a private developer / operator for the

Project would involve the following tasks:

Marketing of the Project to potential developers / operators of cable car

infrastructure services.

Assistance in conducting the pre-bid meeting including drafting clarifications to

the queries raised by the bidders.

Evaluation of the bids received.

Assistance in negotiations and signing of contractual documents with the

selected bidder.

1.5 Need for the Project

i. Identified locations are popular tourist destinations and attract large footfalls.

ii. Making already established tourist destinations more attractive

iii. Located on hills, environmentally sensitive zones. Improving the Tourism

Infrastructure Scenario

iv. All of these locations have high or medium footfalls which causes huge amount of

vehicular movement in and around these destinations disturbing flora, fauna and

causing pollution simultaneously

v. Cable car is a convenient, time saving, eco – friendly, sustainable solution as well as

a tourist attraction itself

vi. Rising Middle Class, Increased Affordability & increased demand for weekend

gateways

vii. Encourage livelihood opportunities for the local population



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2. Overview of 4 Locations

The Department of Tourism has arrived upon the following four locations for developing

cable car infrastructure services for the tourists to commute to the tourism destination. The

annual footfalls of each of the locations are elaborated below:

Sl. No. Tourist Destination Footfalls Category

1. Chamundi Hills 2053949 High Footfall

2. Nandi Hills 334424 Medium Footfall

3. Kemmannugundi 125383 Medium Footfall

4. Madhugiri --- ---

The details of each of the locations are elaborated below:

2.1 Chamundi Hills

The project site, Chamundeshwari Temple, is located on the top of Chamundi Hills. The

temple was named after Chamundeshwari or Durga, a tutelary deity held in reverence for

centuries by Mysore Maharajas.

a. Location

Chamundeshwari Hills is located adjacent to Mysore city. It is situated at a distance of 145

km from Bangalore. The major road leading to Mysore is SH-17E from Bangalore. The access

road from SH-17E to the temple is through a hill which is in good condition. There is proper

signage along the road leading the vehicles to the temple. There are also steps to climb the

hill. The nearest urban centres are Mysore (3 km) and Srirangapatna (15 km). There is direct

Figure 2: Temple at Chamundi Hills



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KSRTC and private bus service to Mysore from Bangalore, Mangalore and other urban

centers. There direct rail connectivity to Mysore from Bangalore and Mangalore.

b. Site features and Surroundings

The temple has a beautiful idol of the goddess which is made up of gold. The temple has a

seven story tall 'Gopura' decorated with intricate carvings. At the temple are several images

of Nandi (the bull mount of Shiva). There is huge granite Nandi on the 800th step on the hill

in front of a small Shiva temple a short distance away. This Nandi is over 15 feet high, and

24 feet long and around its neck are exquisite bells.

c. Available tourism infrastructure

Available infrastructures at Chamundi Hills are enlisted below:

Gen

eral

Resource Category Religious and Natural/Ecological

Location It is located in Mysore city.

The nearest urban centre is Srirangapatna (15 km).

Accessibility

(Quality of Road, Local

Transport etc)

Major road connectivity is by SH-17E from Bangalore via

Srirangapatna.

Direct rail connectivity to Mysore from Bangalore and

Mangalore.

There is direct KSRTC and private bus service to Mysore

from Bangalore, Mangalore and other urban centers.

Closeness to other spots It is located near to other tourist spots viz Mysore Palace (2

km), Jagmohan Palace (5 km), Mysore Zoo (4 km),

Figure 3: Location of Chamundi Hills on map



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St.Phenomena’s Church (8 km), Lalith Mahal (8 km),

Mysore sandalwood factory (10 km), Balmuri falls (12 km)

Mysore silk factory (15 km), Srirangapatna (15 km),

Ranganatittu (18 km), KRS Dam & Brindavan Garden (20 km).

Special Features Chamudeshwari temple, trekking, city view from the hill

Segment oriented to if any International, Domestic and locals

Qu

alit

y

Present condition Good

Space Quality Good

Environmental Quality

Solid Waste Management

Level of Littering

Good

Available

Low

Current Activity & Usage Worship, trekking, recreational area for city, hill view.

Tou

rist

Infr

astr

uct

ure

Signage & Information Available

Eating Outlets Available

Drinking Water Available

Toilets Available

Security Available

Organized Parking Available

Man

agem

en

t

Aesthetic / Architecture Good

Timing of entry Day time

Entry Charges Nil

Maintenance Mujrai department

Constraints for Planning ----



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2.2 Nandi Hills

Nandi hill is a popular tourist destination near Bangalore. It is a hill which has various

attractions like temple, fort, recreational area and picturesque hill view.

a. Location and connectivity

Nandi hill is located in Chikkaballapur taluk at a distance of 60 km from Bangalore along the

National Highway- 209. The nearest urban centres are Chikkaballapur (7 km) and

Doddaballapur (22 km). It is located near to other tourist spots viz Bhognandishwar temple

(8 km), Mudenahalli (km) and Rangasthala temple (9 km) in Chikkaballapur district. It is well

connected by NH-209.

The access road from NH-209 to top of the hills is surfaced and in good condition. There is

proper signage along the road leading the vehicles to the top of the hill. There is direct

KSRTC and private bus service to the top of the hill from Bangalore and Chikkaballapur.

Figure 4: View of Hills and Temple at Nandi Hills



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The preferred mode of transport is private vehicles. The accessibility and connectivity to

Nandi hills is good.

b. Tourism activity

Nandi Hills offer breathtaking scenic beauty and excellent climatic conditions. It has been

the favorite picnic spot for young enthusiasts for a weekend break. The pleasant climate

appeals to all the class of people. It’s a very popular destination among Bangaloreans. The

place is presently maintained by Horticulture Department. The place has varied tourist

attractions. The River Palar originates on the Eastern side of the hill while River Arkavathy

originates on the South-West part of the hill.

It is not only its natural beauty and view from the hill top but the place has got religious as

well as historical significance. There are two temples on the hill top. One of them is the

Yoga Nandishwara temple with huge Nandi idol. It forms the identity of Nandi hills. There is

another one, called Gavi Veerabhadra Swamy Temple. Both the temples are not

architecturally important but belong to ancient era. Presently they are maintained by the

Mujrai department.

The earlier summer bungalows of Britishers are being converted into guest houses for the

visitors. It is operated by the Horticulture department. It is called Nehru House, formerly

Cubbon House, built by Lord Cubbon. It has total 20 numbers of rooms with tariff ranging

from 550 to 1500 per night. Many politicians and well known personalities stayed in this

heritage bungalow.

The records of the people who had visited this place have been maintained by the

Horticulture department. Gandhi House, where the Mahatma himself stayed, is under the



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management of Government of Karnataka and is reserved for the stay of important

dignitaries.

The fort is on a sprawling area of 90 acres 4851 feet above the sea level. A secret passage on

the West is believed to have helped the Kings to escape during unforeseen attacks. A stone

doorway in the fort on the North-Eastern side is believed to have been the horse way for

helping soldiers to climb the wall on horseback. There is an excellent botanical garden on

the plateau at the top with a perimeter pathway that offers spectacular views of the

surrounding country.

c. Available tourism infrastructure at Nandi Hills

Ge

ne

ral

Resource Category Natural and ecological

Location Located in Chikkaballapur taluk at a distance of 70 km

from

Bangalore along the National Highway-209. The nearest

urban centres are Chikkaballapur (7 km) and

Doddaballapur (22 km).

Accessibility

(Quality of Road,

Local Transport etc)

It is well connected by NH-209. The access road from

NH-209 to the temple is in surfaced and good condition.

There is direct KSRTC and private bus service to

Nandigram from Bangalore and Chikkaballapur.

Closeness to other spots Located near to another tourist spots viz Nandi hills (10

km), Mudenahalli (30 km) and Rangasthala temple (25 km)

in Chikkaballapur district.

Special Features The temple is the finest and the most ornate of

the Dravidian temples in Karnataka built in 810 A.D.

Segment oriented to if any Locals, domestic and international

Qu

alit

y

Present condition Maintenance is good done by the ASI department

Space Quality Good



Level of Littering

NA

Negligi

ble



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Current Activity & Usage Trekking, Biking, Cycling trips are regularly conducted by

the city – dwellers and the tourists visiting the city.

Worship and marriage ceremony conducted.

Tou

rist

Infr

astr

uct

ure

Signage & Information Available within the temple premises.

Eating Outlets Absent

Drinking Water Taps are available in Temple premise

Toilets Absent

Security Available

Organized Parking Absent

Man

agem

ent

Aesthetic / Architecture Good


Entry Charges Nil

Maintenance Archaeological Survey of India

Constraints for Planning Funds

2.3 Kemmannugundi – Chikkamagalur

Kemmannugundi is a hill station in Tarikere taluk of Chikkamagalur district. It is located at a

height of 1434 m above sea level on the Baba Budan Giri range of hills. Kemmangundi is also

known as K.R. Hills after the Wodeyar King, Krishnaraja Wodeyar, who had made it his

favourite summer camp. Kemmangundi is surrounded by thick forests and a salubrious

climate throughout the year. It is surrounded by the Baba Budan Giri range and blessed

with silver cascades of mountain streams and lush vegetation.



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The Horticulture department maintains a rock garden and also has decent accommodation

facilities. Kemmanagundi is pleasantly cool and has few pictureque waterfalls. It offers

spectacular are Rock Garden, Raj Bhawan, Hebbe Falls, Kalahathi Falls and Z-Point and

outdoor activities like camping and trekking is a good option for adventure enthusiasts.

a. Location & Connectivity

Kemmangundi hill station is located to the North of Chikkamagalur at a distance of 55 km

and 17 km from Lingadahalli. It is well connected by road network i.e., NH – 206 or NH – 48

which connects the destination to Bangalore though the condition of this road is very poor.

The public transport facilities are not dependable most of the times.

Figure 5: View of Kemmannugundi, Chikkamagalur



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b. Available Tourism Infrastructure G

ener

al

Resource Category Natural & Ecological

Location The Temple is located on the Vindyagiri hill top.

Accessibility


Transport etc)

Through N.H.-206 Connecting Chikkamagalur &

Tarikere taluk.

Road Condition is very Poor

Lack of Public transport Facility

Closeness to other spots Budan Giri Hills & Tarikere Taluk

Special Features Scenic Beauty & Flower Garden

Segment oriented to if any Famous among Youth

Qu

alit

y

Present condition Maintenance is Good

Space Quality Good



Level of Littering

Excellent

Not addressed properly

Negligible

Current Activity & Usage Trekking

Tou

rist

Infr

astr

uct

ure

Signage & Information Absent

Eating Outlets Negligible

Drinking Water Absent

Toilets Absent

Security Present

Organized Parking Present

Man

agem

en

t Aesthetic / Architecture Excellent


Entry Charges Rs.50



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Maintenance Department of Floriculture

Constraints for Planning Funds and awareness among locals

2.4 Madhugiri Fort

Madhugiri town is located in Tumkur district in Karnataka. Madhugiri is a single hill at an

elevation of 1200 m. This is the second largest monolith in Asia. A series of doorways leads

to this hill. The ruined temple of Gopalakrishna is located at the top of the hill. The highlight

of the hillock is the rock dome atop which stands a fort.

a. Location & Connectivity

Madhugiri fort is located in Madhugiri taluk of Tumkur district at a distance of 145 km from

Bangalore. It can be accessed along the SH-58 from Sira to Madhugiri. The access road from

the major road to the fort is surfaced and in good condition. There is proper signage along

the road leading the vehicles to the top of the fort. The nearest urban centres are

Koratagere (30 km), ChannarayanaDurga (34 km), Sira (37 km) and Tumkur (40 km). There is

direct KSRTC and private bus service to the fort from Tumkur, Bangalore and Mysore.

Tumkur is the nearest railway station. The accessibility and connectivity to fort is good.

Figure 6: View of Madhugiri Fort



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Figure 7: Location of Madhugiri Fort

The Madhugiri fort had been under the rule by Ganga, Chola, Hoysala, Vijayanagar kings and

Nolambas. In and around Maddagiri, there are temples and ponds known to have been built

during the period of Mysore ruler Chikkadevaraja Wodeyar. It was here that the queen of

Keladi, Veerammaji and her son were exiled by Hyder Ali, in 1763.

b. Tourism activity

Madhugiri is famous for its giant rock overlooking the town and the fort nestling in its steep

slopes. This monolith and the surrounding greenery of Madhugiri are its main attractions.

The place has old temples of Venkataramanaswami and Malleshwara built by the

Vijayanagara feudatories in the Dravidian style.

c. Available tourism infrastructure

Ge

ner

al

Resource Category Heritage

Location

Madhugiri fort is located in Madhugiri taluk at a

distance of 145 km from Bangalore.

The nearest urban centres are Koratagere (30 km),

Channarayana Durga (34 km), Sira (37 km) and Tumkur

(40 km).



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Accessibility


Transport etc)

It can be accessed along the SH-58 from Sira to Madhugiri.

The access road from SH-58 to the fort is surfaced and in good condition.

There is direct KSRTC and private bus service to the fort from Tumkur, Bangalore and Mysore.

Closeness to other spots It is located near to another tourist spots viz.

Kaggaladu bird sanctuary (46 km), Mallik Rehan Dargah (45 km) and Channarayana Durga (34 km)

Special Features Fort, Nature and Heritage

Segment oriented to if any Locals and domestic

Qu

alit

y

Present condition Maintenance is good done by the ASI dept.

Space Quality Good



Level of Littering

Good

NA

Average in Fort and temple premises. The Fort and temple surroundings are fairly maintained. Inadequate dust bins

Current Activity & Usage Fort, trekking

Tou

rism

Infr

astr

uct

ure

Signage & Information Not available

Eating Outlets Absent

Drinking Water Absent

Toilets Absent

Security Available

Organized Parking Absent. Parked at the entrance of fort

The following chapter provides an overall idea of cable car scenario worldwide and within

the country.



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3. Overview of Cable Cars

3.1 Evolution of Cable Cars – Globally

Andrew Hallidie is considered the father of the cable car, although he was not the only

inventor to dabble in the use of cable as a means of transportation. Hallidie and his

father both held several patents for the manufacture and use of cable, or wire rope as

it was called.

i. The Powerhouse

Each of the different cable car lines once had its own powerhouse —or sometimes

several—to drive the cable used on the line. The first power sources were steam

engines powered by enormous amounts of coal each day, thus each powerhouse was

equipped with boilers to heat the water needed to produce steam.

ii. The Slot

Out on the street along their routes, the cable cars travel on steel tracks set above a

channel enclosing the cable. At the top of the channel is a slot through which the cable

car’s grip grabs the cable moving below.

iii. The Grip

Cable Cars Worldwide have gone through a series of evolutionary changes since the

first line opened. These have involved the mechanical equipment and design of the

cars themselves, as well as those along the track and in the powerhouses. One of the

first changes was made to the grip itself.

iv. The Brakes

The cable cars employ a series of mechanisms to assist in braking the car and

regulating its speed. The three parts of this system are the wheel brakes, track brakes,

and an emergency brake.

v. The Cars

The original cable car line on Clay Street employed a dummy car containing the

gripping and braking mechanisms that pulled a passenger trailer.



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3.2 Technicality Involved

In an aerial transit system, cabins/ cars/ carriers/ vehicles are usually suspended or

propelled from above using cables. The cable that supports the cabin may or may not

be the one that propels it too. This depends on the technology used. It is a two way

transport.

Following are the various types of technology used for installing a cable car:

i. Non – Detachable Gondola

The cabin is permanently fixed on the cable. This was the system used earlier. This

system has a disadvantage as stopping one cabin involves stopping the whole system.

However, fixed grips system can achieve higher speed. This system does not allow mid-

span station or even if it does, the station has to be in the middle.

ii. Mono Cable Detachable Gondola (MDG)

A mono cable detachable gondola (MGD) system has only one cable that supports and

propels the cabin.

Figure 8: View of Mono Detachable cable car



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iii. Bi – Cable Detachable Gondola (BDG)

A bi-cable detachable gondola (BDG) has two cables, one of which supports the cabin.

This cable is stationary while the other cable moves and serves the purpose of

propulsion. The Bicable system is designed to cope with the most difficult conditions.

The use of a separate track and haul ropes permits lines to be designed with extremely

long spans, and of effortlessly negotiating steep and slopes with impressive vertical

heights. Even with the long spans, which the Bicable gondola can easily achieve in

mind, the system performs extremely well in windy conditions.

Figure 9: View of Bi - Cable Detachable Gondola

iv. Aerial Tramway

An aerial tramway consists of a cabin suspended from a cable, pulled by another cable.

v. 3S/ TDG Tri – Cable Detachable Gondola

A tri-cable detachable gondola (TDG) has three cables, two of which help in supporting

and the other in propelling the cabin.

3.3 Challenges

Cable car transport has not yet been a widely accepted transportation system. It needs

to address some challenges. Although it has been around for a century, there has not

been much research in this area. It has not been widely commercialized. Integration of

multiple systems is not easy. The design of an arrangement in which systems meet at a

station is still a challenge for the technology. Transporting above someone's property

entails privacy issues. Also, safety in case of emergency is widely a concern.



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3.4 Usage of cable cars

Cable car systems are viable transportation system which can be used as a mode of

mass transit at a reasonable cost. Cable car lines are very useful for transit of

mountains, hills, valleys, steep slopes & rivers.

Figure 10: Cable car connecting Sentosa Island and Mount Faber – attracting large number of footfalls

Lately, all over the World, cable cars are being used as an anwer to the traffic solutions

to tourism infrastructure to attract tourist footfalls. Cities such as Mexico and Lagos

have started using cable cars as city transport infrastructure along with having

separate provision for tourists.

Figure 11: Mexico urban cable car transport system



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4. Project Concept

Travel and tourism, the world’s largest industry, is a key driver of economic growth. Given

this background the development of appropriate infrastructure facilities for promoting

tourism would go a long way in developing the state’s economy.

This Section discusses the concept of Cable Cars in the context of the Tourism Policy of

Karnataka and other similar facilities established in India and abroad.

4.1 Project Component

Based on the review of similar Cable cars in India and abroad and analysis of the cable car

facility at a tourist attraction point, the existence of the following components were

surveyed and enlisted at respective locations:

Table 1: Comprehensive list of project components at 4 locations for cable car project

Sl. No.

Existing Chamundi Hills Nandi Hills Kemmannugundi Madhugiri Absent

1. Signage

2. Eating Joint

3. Drinking

Water Facility

4. Toilets

5. Security

6. Organized

Parking

It is observed from the table above that Chamundi Hills is the sole destination amongst all,

having all the project components and Madhugiri Fort is the destination which does not

have any of the enlisted components apart from security service. Hence, to boost

Karnataka’s tourism sector through upgrading the destinations and attract maximum

footfalls in all the destinations, the proposed 4 locations will have to develop the following

components in the respective project sites.



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Following table retrospects the annual footfall in all these destinations. This information will

provide a suitable insight of the required project components in the destinations.

Table 2: Annual footfalls at 4 destinations (2014)

Sl. No. Tourist Destination Footfalls (No. of Persons) Category

1. Chamundi Hills 2053949 High Footfall

2. Nandi Hills 334424 Medium Footfall

3. Kemmannugundi 125383 Medium Footfall

4. Madhugiri --- --- Source: Department of Tourism, Government of Karnataka

As per the annual footfalls statistics of 2014 from the table above, Chamundi Hilll is the only

destination with high footfalls. Nandi Hills and Kemmannugundi are in medium footfall

category.

i. Chamundi Hills

Though all the enlisted project components are present in Chamundi Hills but the facilities

need to improve both quality and capacity wise to meet the requirement of increased

footfalls due to the added attraction of cable cars at the destination. As per the tourism

data, Chamundi Hills already comes under the high tourist footfalls category. Thus this

destination required to be developed very carefully. The units of the components required

to be added in Chamundi Hills along with the area requirement required for each

components is elaborated below.

Table 3: Indicative project component requirement for Chamundi Hills

Components Indicative units/ size / area

Signages 20 units

Eating Joint 1 unit

2,000 sq.ft

Drinking Water Facility 42 units

Toilet WC (Female): 6 units

WC (Male): 5 units

Urinal: 8 units

285 sq. ft

Security (cubicle/ shed) 2 units



26


80 sq. ft

Orgenised Parking

Car

Bus

150 units

9 units

25000 sq. ft

ii. Nandi Hills

From the table above showing the comprehensive list of components, Nandi Hills does

not have the most significant three aspects present in the destination namely – Eating

Joints, Toilets and Organized Parking.

Since this destination is presently having medium tourist footfalls, along with the

development of cable cars in 2.0 acres of land parcel, the Project shall also develop the

aforementioned facilities. The facilities proposed to be developed are detailed out in

the table below along with the indicative units and area requirement:

Table 4: Indicative project component requirement for Nandi Hills


Signages 15 units

Eating Joint 1 unit

1000 sq.ft



WC (Male): 4 units

Urinal: 6 units

225 sq. ft


40 sq. ft

Orgenised Parking

Car

Bus

50 units

3 units

9120 sq. ft



27

iii. Kemmannugundi

Presently, Kemmannugundi has only security services and parking facility for 20 cars at the

destination. This destination also falls under medium tourist footfalls category. Thus, to

develop Kemmannugundi as a favourable tourist destination, the following components

need to be developed as part of the basic infrastructure facilities for the tourists.

Table 5: Indicative project component requirement for Kemmannugundi


Signages 15 units

Eating Joint 1 unit

1000 sq.ft



WC (Male): 4 units

Urinal: 6 units

225 sq. ft


40 sq. ft

Orgenised Parking

Car

Bus

50 units

3 units

9120 sq. ft

iv. Madhugiri

Presently, Madhugiri is not having any of the basic infrastructure facilities which shall be

existing at a tourist destination. Since the required annual footfall data of this destination is

not known, considering the annual footfall to be of medium category, the following

components shall be developed at the destination on urgent basis.


Signages 15 units

Eating Joint 1 unit

1000 sq.ft




28



WC (Male): 4 units

Urinal: 6 units

225 sq. ft


40 sq. ft

Orgenised Parking

Car

Bus

50 units

3 units

9120 sq. ft

4.2 Distribution of Infrastructure

4.3 Project Cost

The total cost of the project is estimated to be Rs. 80 Cr.

4.4 Project Drivers

The following issues are critical in ensuring the implementation and success of the Project:

Bas

e Le

vel

•Organized Parking

•Signage

•Eating Joint

•Drinking Water

•Toilet

•Security

Ro

pew

ay

•Rope way To

p L

evel

•Signage

•Drinking Water

•Toilet

•Security



29

i. Land

The minimum land requirement for the Project would be 2.0 acres for setting up the

cable car facility. Availability of land is critical for commencing the Project

development activities. Land would be made available by the Government.

ii. Location

Location of the 4 Project sites and their established status as a tourist destination is a

key factor for driving footfalls to the project locations. All 4 sites have connectivity to

the project site.

iii. Infrastructure

The physical infrastructures such as roads, water supply are few of the key concerns

for the private developer/ operator as well as for the public intending to visit the

destination. All of these facilities for the Project site are in place for operationalising

the Project facilities.

iv. Facilities / components

The facilities offered by the 4 tourist destinations would need to be carefully planned

to provide something of interest to all age groups. The success of the Project would

depend on the capability of the projects to attract visitors on a continual basis.



30

5. Annexure-1

Details of Case Studies



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Case 1: Mount Titlis Cable car

Mount Titlis is Central Switzerland’s tallest peak standing at a 10,000 ft height. The peak, with

snow and ice becomes more spectacular and visually stunning view to offer to the tourists

when the tourists go for a revolving Rotair – a revolving aerial cable car that delivers a

dazzling 360o panoramic view of the snow covered mountains, valleys, lakes, glaciers and

forests.

Cable car rides:

1. Single and return rides

2. Season passes

3. Devil bike

4. Trotti bike

5. Mountainbike

Sl. No. Adult, Price in CHF (1 CHF = 66.87 INR) One Way Return

1. Engelberg - TITLIS 63 89

2. Engelberg - Stand 36 51

3. Engelberg - Trübsee 21 30

4. Engelberg - Gerschnialp 08 12

Figure 12: Cable car view at Mt. Titlis



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Sl. No. Adult, Price in CHF (1 CHF = 66.87 INR) One Way Return

5. Engelberg - Jochpass 31 44

6. Engelberg - Engstlenalp 38 54

7. Trübsee - TITLIS 48 68

8. Trübsee - Jochpass 12 17

9. Trübsee - Engstlenalp 20 28

10. Engstlenalp - Jochpass 11 16

Figure 13: Mount Titlis cable car routes



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Activities:

Devil Bike (per person/ride)

Price in CHF Adult 16 and older Child 6-15* Groups 10+ people

Devil Bike rental 14 14 14

Ride Trübsee -

Jochpass

12 6 10

* Recommended for 12 years and older

Daily open from July to October (snow and weather conditions permitting)

Reservation required starting from 8 people

Trotti Bike (per person/ride)

Price in CHF Adult 16 and older Child 6-15* Groups 10+ people

Trotti Bike rental 8 8 6

Fahrt Engelberg -

Gerschnialp

8 4 6

* Recommended for 10 years and older

The scooters are only available for use at weekends and on public holidays. The

scooter route is closed from Monday to Friday due to construction work.

Open from May to October (snow and weather conditions permitting)

Reservation required starting from 10 people

Figure 14: View of Mount Titlis Cable Car



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Mountainbike

Price in CHF Adult 16 and older

Bike transportation per ride 5

Day pass Engelberg - Engstlenalp incl. bike transportation 38

Summer bike transportation pass 90



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Case 2: London Cable Car Project

The Emirates Air Line is a cable car cable car link across the River Thames in London City. The

service started its operation from 2012 and is operated by Transport for London. Along with

providing the transport service across the river, this service offers a unique view of London

city to the tourists. In 2010, Transport for London (TfL) decided to develop a cable car across

the river Thames. This is the first urban cable car in United Kingdom.

Figure 15: Emirates Airlines Cable Car across Thames river, London

The cable car is based on Monocable Detachable Gondola technology, a system which uses a

single cable for both propulsion and support, used also on the metrocable in Medellin,

Colombia. This MDG system is reportedly cheaper and quicker to install.

The cable car provides a crossing in every 15 seconds, with a minimum capacity of 2,500

passengers per hour in each direction which is equal to about 50 busloads. Bicycles may be

carried in these cable cars. Passengers can pay for their journeys with ‘pay-as-you-go’ cards.

There are 36 passenger gondolas of which 34 are in use at any one time, with a maximum

capacity of 10 passengers in each. Two gondolas are kept for maintenance staff.



36

Figure 16: View of cable cars

Dubai based airline Emirates has sponsored the project in a 10 year sponsorship deal in

exchange of branding of the cable car service with the airline’s name. The Emirates Air Line

route was introduced onto the London Tube map in 2012 displayed as a triple red stripe

rather than a solid line to distinguish it with the underground lines.

Figure 17: The Emirates Airlines cable car service in London



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Fare:

Cash (Single journey fare)

Oyster or Travelcard (Single journey fare)

“Frequent Flyer” (Ten journeys fare)

Adult £4.40 £3.30 £16.00

Child £2.30 £1.70 n/a

Private hiring of a cable car is available for £88 and can accommodate upto 10 passengers at

a time.

Critics have often labeled these fares to be too expensive for the city dwellers to use this as a

mode of transport for commuting on a daily basis and meant only for the tourists.

Figure 18: Route Map



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Attractions for the tourists:

Figure 19: Local attractions for the tourists

The tourists can experience Canary Wharf, Greenwich Peninsula, The O2, Thames Barrier and

the Royal Observatory using this cable car service while travelling in the city.

There are café, restaurants and bars located in and around two terminals i.e., Emirates

Greenwich Peninsula and Emirates Royal Docks terminals.



39

Case 3: Mount Stanserhorn Cable Car Project

A new cable car system lets guests enjoy fresh air and great views around Mount

Figure 20L Bisrd's eye view of the cable car routes



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Stanserhorn. The double – decker cable car has an open upper deck.

Riding to the top of the 1,900 m, Mount Stanserhorn with the wind in your hair, the blue sky

above you and a fantastic 360° panorama was the concept of the new cable car to replace

the one from Kälti to Stanserhorn.

Today it can be said that it was a thoroughly viable one. The so-called “CabriO” cable car is

the world’s first cable car with a roofless upper deck. The comfortable double-decker is the

very latest in cable car technology. The lower level (with windows going almost from wall-to-

wall) has space for 60 people. From there, an elegant staircase leads up to the sun deck,

which offers room for about 30 people. The guests can enjoy 360° panoramic views as well as

the fresh mountain air. The car moves on two side-mounted support cables – a technological

innovation of Garaventa AG, a Swiss cable car company based in central Switzerland.

Figure 21: View of the open deck of the cable car

Technical challenge:

From the beginning, one thing was very clear that if there was to be a new cable car, it would

have to fulfil all requirements while providing a new experience for visitors. According to

Director Jürg Balsiger, their vision was to enhance the experience during the journey. They

wanted to offer the guests a new dimension. As this was a whole new kind of cable car, it was

a challenge for engineers, architects and builders. The people at Mount Stanserhorn are also

proud of the fact that the project was almost completely Swiss-made – from the initial idea



41

down to the last screw. About 90% of the added value came from Switzerland, mostly from

companies in central Switzerland. In addition, the Swiss Post Office honoured the innovation

with a special stamp that came out in May 2012. The investment volume for the new cable

car project amounts to CHF 28.1 million. Launched in 2010, the recapitalisation was so

successful that it was oversubscribed within a short time and some seven million francs –

mainly from locals – flowed into the project.

Figure 22: Open deck of the cable car as visualized

Time travel

The ride up to Stanserhorn is also a journey through local history. One witness is the old-time

funicular from Stans to Kälti. When it opened in 1893, it broke the world record for the

longest funicular. Indeed, pioneers have enjoyed an affinity with Stanserhorn for some 120

years. And while historical gems like the old-time funicular will remain at Stanserhorn, the

new CabriO will bring to the mountain a breath of fresh air.

The new CabriO cable car in figures:

Aspect Details

Lenght: 2.320 meters

Base station: 711 meters above sea level

Mountain station: 1,850 meters above sea level



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Aspect Details

Capacity: 60 people

Conveying capacity: 465 guests per hour

Speed: 8 meters per second

Journey time: 6 minuts, 24 seconds

Investment: CHF 28.1 million

Stans-Stanserhorn

Prices in CHF Single person Groups

One way Return One way Return

Adults 37.00 74.00 29.60 59.20

Half-fare ticket / Swiss Pass /

GA 18.50 37.00 14.80 29.60

Groups (as of 10 people)

Round trip Stans-Stanserhorn-Wirzweli-Dallenwil-Stans

Prices in CHF Single person Groups (as of 10

People)

Adults 51.40 41.20

Half-fare ticket / Swiss Pass 26.90 20.60

Round trip Stans-Stanserhorn-Wiesenberg-Dallenwil-Stans

Prices in CHF Single person Groups (as of 10

People)

adults 48.60 38.20

Half-fare ticket / Swiss Pass 28.50 21.10

Every 10th person of a group travels for free.



43

Cable Cars in India

Case: 1 – Darjeeling Ropeway

Darjeeling ropeway service provides a bird’s eye view of the entire city with lush green

vegetation and snow – capped mountains.

This service was started in 1968 by the forest department offering unparalleled views of

valleys and mountains. Later it met with an accident and was non – operational for some

time. The circuit has been revamped and restored to safety.

Figure 23:Darjeeling Ropeway



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Case: 2 – Gulmarg Gondola

Gulmarg Gondola is Asia’s highest cable car cicuit and world’s second highest cable car since

2008. The scenic splendour offered by this service will also help the tourist experience skiing,

horse riding etc.

Gulmarg Gondola connects Gulmarg resort to Apparwath Peack, standing 4200 m tall. It is a 2

stage ropeway; the first stage connects Gulmarg resort to Kondogiri station (3747 m) in

Kondogiri valley and the second stage cable car ferries fliers to Apparwath peak from

Kondogiri station.

Figure 24: View of Gulmarg Gondola

This Gondola carries 6 people at a time and costs around Rs. 600 for the first stage, Rs. 800

for the second stage.



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Case: 3 – Auli Cable Car, Uttarakhand

Auli, an important yet less-known skiing destination in the Himalayan Mountains in

Uttarakhand, has the most amazing cable car service that runs for 4.15 kms – the longest in

not only India, but also in Asia.

Figure 25: View of Auli Cable Car, Uttarakhand

Along with skiing, the 4.15 kms long cable car is the main attraction in Auli. It connects

Joshimath with Auli and offer magnificent views of the Himalaya. The lowest tower of the

ropeway is at 1906 m from MSL and the uppermost tower is at 3016 m. Taking 15 minutes

to complete a ride at speed of 5 m/sec, it is the best start one can have to an exciting Auli

trip. Chair-lift and ski-lift facilities are also available in Auli. The cost of the cable car ride is

around Rs. 400 for a round trip.

Figure 26: Scenic beauty offerred by Auli cable car



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Case: 4 – Raigad Ropeway, Maharastra

The Raigad ropeway ferries passengers to the stunning Raigad Fort, located in Maharashtra

which is considered to be the final resting place of the great Indian warrior King, Shivaji. The

Raigad ropeway is a non-profit endeavour, the first of its kind in India.

Figure 27: Raigad Ropeway

Raigad Ropeway is an important means for commuting to the Raigad Fort. The fort is

perched on a hill and holds a significant place in Indian history as it was the place that great

Shivaji Maharaj chose as his capital when he was crowned King of the Maratha Kingdom.

The ascent of the ropeway is 420 m and the rope length is 760 m. The ride cost for an

adult is Rs. 286 and for children is Rs. 143.

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