Delhi Development Authority may soon start operating cable cars across the Yamuna. Lieutenant governor VK Saxena directed DDA to start the process of surveying and selecting sites for the installation of a ropeway or cableway that would carry passengers in cable cars across the river. The LG's office said Saxena recently chaired a meeting to explore alternative modes of non-polluting public transport in the capital. The cable cars will operate during fixed hours from morning to night and will have a capacity of about 50 passengers each. DDA will select the sites in the vicinity of metro stations on either side of the river to install the system without any encroachment or concretisation of the floodplain, the LG office said. "This is a New Year gift to the residents of Delhi," it added.

Saxena has instructed DDA to submit the preliminary report within a month. Officials said that while issuing the directions, LG asked DDA to ensure that the sites are selected, keeping in mind that they are located at a walkable distance from metro stations and DTC bus stops. "He emphasised that apart from ensuring the use of public transport that does not cause vehicular emissions, the cable cars will also encourage people to walk even during their busy daily hectic schedules," said an official.

The LG's office said that the cableways or the ropeways would be aimed at ensuring that people could take an alternative, non-polluting mode of transport across the river rather than crossing it on buses, autos, and private vehicles that invariably add to air pollution. These will also ensure less traffic on roads and bridges, it added.

"Cable cars will also provide additional routes closer to the place of residence or work for people and will ensure that the public does not have to take long circuitous routes to reach their destinations. This will automatically lead to less traffic, less pollution, and saving of travel time," said a Raj Niwas official.

"Even at sites such as Baansera and Asita, which have been developed by DDA on Yamuna floodplain, parking sites are located far from the main park areas to ensure that people walk in the greens and ensure their physical fitness," the official added.