Antananarivo Government Launches Cable Car Project Funded by France to Alleviate Traffic Congestion: A Major Step Forward for Madagascar
By Fiona Nanna, ForeMedia News
4 minutes read. Updated 3:00PM GMT Mon, June 24, 2024
Antananarivo, the bustling capital of Madagascar, has recently inaugurated a new public transportation system aimed at tackling its notorious traffic congestion. The city’s first cable car system has commenced operations, marking a significant milestone in the capital’s infrastructure development. The inaugural ride was graced by President Andriy Rajoelina, accompanied by city officials and project contractors, highlighting the government’s commitment to modernizing the city’s transport network.
Reducing Congestion and Environmental Impact
The newly introduced cable cars have a capacity to transport up to 75,000 passengers daily. This initiative is expected to significantly ease traffic in Antananarivo, a city currently home to over 3 million residents. Gérard Andriamanohisoa, the Secretary of State for New Towns and Housing at the Presidency, emphasized the project’s impact: “By removing 75,000 passengers from the streets every day, we can reduce the number of buses and up to 2,000 cars, leading to substantial carbon savings and improved mobility.”
A French-Funded Project with Modern Safety Features
The project, funded by a 152 million Euro loan from France, covers a 12-kilometer route. In preparation for the launch, extensive safety tests were conducted throughout June. Guillaume Rannaz, a technical manager at Poma—the project contractors—explained, “We have numerous sensors in the stations and along the line to detect potential issues early. This allows us to halt operations to ensure passenger safety. Additionally, we have backup generators to keep the system running during power outages.”
Despite the project’s potential benefits, the cost of using the cable cars has raised concerns among residents. With tickets priced at nearly one Euro each—six times the cost of a bus ticket—many locals feel the service is unaffordable.
Henry Razafimanantsoa, a resident of Antananarivo, voiced his frustrations: “We don’t have reliable access to water or electricity. When water is available, it’s often muddy, yet we still have to pay our bills. Why not address these pressing social issues first?”
President Rajoelina has staunchly defended the cable car project amidst criticism regarding its financial implications and prioritization over other infrastructure needs. “We must dare to transform and develop our country,” he asserted. “Critics have always been there, but it’s those who dared to take action who made a difference. Just like the Eiffel Tower, which faced criticism initially but is now a symbol of France, this project will benefit Madagascar in the long run.”
To address affordability concerns, the government has announced plans for subsidized fares for students and pensioners. However, the general public will not have access to the cable cars until 2025.
The introduction of cable cars in Antananarivo represents a significant leap forward in the city’s efforts to modernize its public transport system and reduce traffic congestion. While challenges remain, particularly regarding affordability and the city’s broader infrastructure needs, the project demonstrates a bold vision for the future of Madagascar’s capital.
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