On June 21, 2024, Madagascan President Andry Rajoelina inaugurated the first segment of the Antananarivo cable car, marking a significant advancement in the capital’s urban transport system. This innovative project aims to alleviate traffic congestion and provide a more environmentally friendly alternative to conventional transportation.
The Antananarivo cable car, with the capacity to transport up to 75,000 passengers daily, addresses the issue of overcrowding in a city originally designed for 300,000 residents, which now accommodates over 3 million. President Rajoelina, along with several Malagasy and French officials, showcased the efficiency and safety of this new transportation mode by flying over the city center in one of the cable cars.
Environmental Benefits
The cable car system represents a substantial environmental benefit. « Removing 75,000 passengers from buses and 2,000 cars from Tana’s roads is a major step in reducing carbon emissions and improving travel efficiency, » stated Gérard Andriamanohisoa, Madagascar’s Secretary of State for New Towns and Housing. Decreasing the number of vehicles on the roads will lead to a reduction in CO2 emissions, thereby enhancing the air quality in the capital.
The 12 km project, executed by French companies Poma and Colas, features a highest point of over 50 meters. Extensive safety tests were conducted over several weeks before opening to the public. « We test the brakes and have numerous sensors in the stations and along the line to detect any potential issues early, allowing us to stop the system and ensure passenger safety, » explained Guillaume Rannaz, Technical Manager at Poma.
The construction, which cost a staggering €152 million, was primarily financed through a bank loan guaranteed by the Banque Publique d’Investissement. An additional €28 million was funded by a loan from the French Treasury.
Despite its numerous advantages, the cable car remains out of reach for a large segment of the population due to its cost. A ticket is priced at 4,000 ariarys (approximately 80 euro cents), six times the cost of a bus ticket. With a minimum wage of around €50 per month, many residents of Tananarivo cannot afford this mode of transport. However, social fares are available for students and pensioners.
By Fanta Mabo
