Home / Technology / Ulaanbaatar's Sky Bridges: Cable Cars Tackle Smog
Ulaanbaatar's Sky Bridges: Cable Cars Tackle Smog
1 Oct
Summary
- A new 4.2km cable car aims to cut a 3-hour commute to minutes.
- Previous metro promises remain unfulfilled, frustrating residents.
- The cable car aims to alleviate traffic and severe winter pollution.
Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia's capital, is implementing a 4.2-kilometer cable car system to combat its persistent traffic congestion and severe winter smog. This innovative project aims to transform a commute that can take up to three hours by car into a mere 12-minute journey.
The cable car, developed by French firm Poma with French government support, is slated for completion by the end of 2026. It offers a faster and more cost-effective solution compared to the long-promised but yet-to-begin underground metro system.
This initiative comes as Ulaanbaatar's population has surged to over 1.5 million since 1990, straining its infrastructure. While the cable car is not a complete solution, it's seen as a crucial first step towards familiarizing the public with aerial transport, potentially leading to further expansion.
Severe air pollution during winter, partly due to heating methods in traditional 'ger' districts, significantly impacts residents' health and quality of life. The new cable car system is expected to offer some relief from these issues.
