Non-linear ropeway prototype debuts in Kolkata

Commuters in Kolkata may soon travel on a non-linear ropeway - that has the potential to swing its way through the city's skyline dotted with high-rises - the makers, who tout it is the world's first of its kind, said after launching a prototype.

The private firm which has developed and patented this new pollution-free aerial transit - christened Curvo ropeway - is in talks with the West Bengal government to launch the service in two sectors as a second-tier urban transportation option.

Test-run of the prototype, with two cabins, was conducted within a stretch of 500 metres at a spot in Kolkata's Joka area Saturday. The inventors are also applying for certification to open the prototype for the public.

"It is the world's first non-linear ropeway for alternative urban transportation. This will be a new-age transport system and add to the concept of smart cities. There are two proposals which we are discussing with the state government, regarding launching the service in Sealdah-B.B.D. Bag area and the other from Nabanna, the state secretariat," said Rachana Mukherjee, director, Conveyor and Ropeway Services Pvt. Ltd.

"In addition, we are applying for certification to open the prototype for the public," she said Saturday.

The ropeway service, to be run on electricity, will breeze over existing arterial and other roads on steel portal frames spaced at 90-100 metres supporting the ropes, avoiding the congestion on the streets below.

On any designated route, there will be elevated stops for deboarding and boarding of the passengers every 750 metres.

Proposed to run at 12.5 km per hour, the carrying capacity of the ropeway on a single track is pegged at 2,000 people per hour.

"On a double track, the capacity will be double. Cabins, with a capacity of eight to 10 seats, will be spaced at 22 to 25 seconds interval. The tariffs will be competitive keeping in mind the bus fares."

"It is definitely safe and will offer greater flexibility (with regard to destinations) than the metro," Mukherjee said, adding it is a completely indigenous technology.