Cable Car and Ropeways Market Size, Share & Trends, 2033

Cable Car and Ropeways Market Overview

The Cable Car and Ropeways Market size was valued at USD 4.46 million in 2025 and is expected to reach USD 6.57 million by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 4.97% from 2025 to 2033.

The global cable car and ropeways market is experiencing accelerated growth due to increased demand for urban mobility, tourism infrastructure, and sustainable transport solutions. As of 2024, there are over 25,000 operational ropeway systems worldwide. These systems collectively span more than 12,000 kilometers in total length and serve over 100 million passengers annually. Gondola lifts, aerial tramways, and funiculars comprise the majority of systems, with gondolas alone representing over 9,000 units installed globally. In Europe, Switzerland maintains around 1,700 ropeway systems, while Austria operates over 2,800 systems, primarily catering to alpine tourism and ski resorts. In Asia, China has introduced more than 1,400 new ropeway systems since 2020, primarily in rural and mountainous regions. India, under its national ropeway plan, aims to deploy over 1,200 kilometers of systems in the coming years. Latin American nations, particularly Colombia and Bolivia, have integrated over 10 urban cable car systems into public transport. Industrial use also contributes to the market, with over 1,000 installations in sectors like mining and forestry. Ropeways continue to gain favor due to their reduced environmental footprint, lower land use, and ability to operate in difficult terrains where road construction is impractical or costly.

Key Findings

Drive: Expanding tourism in remote and mountainous areas requiring high-capacity, sustainable transport.

Country/Region: Austria leads with over 2,800 ropeway installations.

Segment: Gondola lifts dominate, with more than 9,000 systems in active operation.

Cable Car and Ropeways Market Trends

Multiple trends are shaping the cable car and ropeways market in 2024. One of the most significant is the rising demand for eco-friendly transport. Ropeways emit 30% fewer greenhouse gases per passenger kilometer than buses and use up to 60% less energy than standard transit vehicles. As a result, they are being favored in environmentally sensitive locations such as alpine parks, historic zones, and nature reserves. The tourism sector remains a dominant force, with more than 17,000 ropeway systems dedicated to sightseeing, ski resorts, and recreational parks. In 2023 alone, over 300 new systems were constructed worldwide, with a high concentration in Asia and Europe. These systems can accommodate between 4 and 150 passengers per cabin, depending on type, and are capable of moving up to 5,000 passengers per hour.

Urban applications are expanding rapidly. More than 300 ropeway-based transport systems now operate in urban settings, including in Latin America, Asia, and Africa. These systems reduce commute times by up to 60% in congested cities and provide critical access to hillside neighborhoods. Daily ridership in some cities exceeds 200,000 passengers, demonstrating the scalability and efficiency of cable cars in dense environments. Digital transformation is another major trend. Smart ropeways equipped with real-time diagnostics, automation, and predictive maintenance are reducing downtime by 15% to 20%. Around 50 pilot projects globally are testing autonomous gondolas and cabins with advanced sensors and self-monitoring systems. Lastly, seasonal and decorative applications are also expanding. In tourist hotspots and heritage sites, ropeways are used for aesthetic appeal and panoramic experiences. For example, systems operating at festivals and seasonal events increased by 22% in 2023, with average installation times of just 3 to 6 months using modular components. In summary, key trends include urban mobility adoption, sustainable tourism infrastructure, digital upgrades, and rapid seasonal deployment, all of which are fueling growth and diversification of the cable car and ropeways market globally.

Cable Car and Ropeways Market Dynamics

DRIVER

Growth in tourism and mountain infrastructure

The single largest driver of market expansion is the surge in mountain and nature-based tourism. As of 2023, over 17,000 systems are dedicated to tourism alone. Alpine destinations in Europe attract more than 80 million tourists annually, many of whom rely on cable cars for access. Ski resorts have expanded lift systems to increase total vertical transport capacity by 125,000 feet per hour in just one year. Countries such as China and India are investing heavily in tourist ropeways, with more than 3,000 kilometers of new installations planned by 2030.

RESTRAINT

High capital cost and regulatory challenges

Aerial tramways and funiculars often require significant investment, with average installation costs ranging from 10 to 50 million in local currency per kilometer, depending on terrain and technology. Additional restraints come from the need for long permitting periods, which can delay construction by 12 to 18 months. Environmental assessments and community consultations are mandatory in many regions, especially for systems passing through protected areas. High wind speeds—exceeding 9 meters per second—can also suspend operations temporarily, leading to average annual downtimes of 20 to 30 days in high-altitude regions.

OPPORTUNITY

Urban public transport integration

Urban ropeways are gaining favor as efficient, low-footprint transportation solutions. More than 100 million urban commuters now rely on cable cars globally. Cities such as Medellín and La Paz have seen transit times reduced by up to 50% through integration of aerial transport systems. Several megacities are incorporating ropeways into their public transit master plans. India’s national plan targets more than 200 urban ropeways by 2030. These projects offer not only decongestion benefits but also cost savings, as ropeways are 40% cheaper to maintain than traditional bus rapid transit systems.

CHALLENGE

Complex maintenance and supply-chain delays

Cable cars and ropeways require intensive maintenance schedules. Cabins undergo safety inspections every 7 days, and towers must be checked at least twice per year. Components like haul ropes must be replaced every 15 years or after 200,000 load cycles, whichever comes first. In 2023, global steel shortages led to a 20% delay in procurement of critical components, resulting in the postponement of several high-profile projects. Specialized labor requirements for installation and operation also pose a challenge, particularly in emerging markets where skilled technicians are scarce.

Cable Car and Ropeways Market Segmentation

The cable car and ropeways market is segmented by type and application, addressing various user needs in transportation, tourism, and industrial operations.

By Type

Aerial Tramways: are fixed-cable systems where two cabins move back and forth. Globally, there are over 5,000 aerial tramways, each capable of carrying 50 to 150 passengers per trip. These systems are often used in ski resorts and steep terrains.
Gondola Lifts: are the most common type, representing more than 9,000 installations worldwide. Each gondola carries between 4 and 30 passengers, and they are favored for continuous movement, higher frequency, and energy efficiency. These are especially popular in urban and alpine settings.
Funiculars: operate on rail tracks and are pulled by a cable. There are approximately 2,000 funicular systems in operation globally. These systems are widely used in hilly cities and short-distance climbs, particularly in European countries like Portugal, Italy, and Switzerland.

By Application

Tourism: remains the leading application segment, with more than 17,000 systems dedicated to transporting tourists to mountains, historic sites, and scenic destinations. The systems enhance accessibility to high-altitude zones and are often linked to national and regional tourism development programs.
Urban Transport: systems are growing in popularity, with over 300 cities incorporating aerial systems into their public transportation mix. These systems serve millions of commuters daily, reduce road congestion, and support last-mile connectivity in dense urban areas.
Industrial: applications account for more than 1,000 systems used for moving materials like coal, timber, and minerals across challenging terrains. Ropeways in mining regions operate over distances of up to 10 kilometers, improving productivity and reducing road traffic.

Cable Car and Ropeways Market Regional Outlook

The Cable Car and Ropeways Market demonstrates strong regional variation tied to topography, urbanization, and transport needs.

North America

there are over 1,200 ropeway systems, including gondolas, trams, and funiculars. Ski resorts in the U.S. and Canada installed 57 new lifts in 2023, increasing vertical transport capacity by 125,000 feet per hour. Urban gondolas in cities like Portland and New York serve daily commuters, transporting over 3.5 million passengers annually. Industrial ropeways are deployed in forested and mining regions, with 150 systems in operation.

Europe

hosts approximately 9,500 ropeways, including 2,800 installations in Austria and 1,700 in Switzerland. Alpine countries added 45 new systems in 2023, primarily gondolas and aerial tramways in ski resorts and national parks. Urban funiculars in cities such as Lisbon and Barcelona move over 5 million passengers annually. Industrial ropeways number around 500 systems, especially in forestry areas.

Asia‑Pacific

region accounts for over 1,400 new installations from 2020 to 2023, and currently supports more than 5,500 ropeway systems. China alone added 600 systems in 2023, focusing on rural connectivity and scenic access. India has approved 200 urban projects slated for deployment between 2024 and 2030. Southeast Asia and Japan host 1,200 tourism and transport ropeways, carrying over 25 million passengers per year.

Middle East & Africa

there are approximately 1,200 systems, primarily in tourism and urban transport. Egypt’s Mount Sinai cable car facilitates 3.5 million pilgrims annually, while the UAE installed 30 urban and ski-themed ropeways, including a ride reaching 800 meters in elevation. South Africa deploys 200 systems for heritage and mountain tourism.

List Of Cable Car and Ropeways Companies

Doppelmayr Garaventa Group (Austria)
POMA Group (France)
Leitner Ropeways (Italy)
BMF Bennes Marrel Faymonville (France)
MND Group (France)
CWA Constructions SA/Corp. (Switzerland)
Bartholet Maschinenbau AG (Switzerland)
DCC Doppelmayr Cable Car GmbH & Co. KG (Austria)
Nippon Cable Co., Ltd. (Japan)
Damodar Ropeways & Infra Limited (India)

Doppelmayr Garaventa Group (Austria): Market leader with more than 10,000 ropeway systems delivered worldwide; installs approximately 200 systems annually, including over 70 gondolas in 2023.

POMA Group (France): Second largest player, with over 4,500 installations globally; in 2023, delivered 130 new systems, including 85 gondolas and 45 tramways.

Investment Analysis and Opportunities

The global cable car and ropeways market has become a strategic area of investment due to its growing role in sustainable transport, tourism enhancement, and last-mile urban mobility. In 2023 alone, total investments across public and private sectors surpassed 9 billion units in local currency, reflecting a continued shift toward vertical mobility solutions that bypass urban congestion and geographical constraints. Over 600 new installations were either approved or completed worldwide during the year, a significant increase compared to the 480 systems recorded in 2021. One of the primary drivers of investment is the expansion of tourism infrastructure. Europe and Asia collectively accounted for over 70% of new ropeway installations aimed at improving access to mountainous destinations, religious pilgrimage sites, and national parks. In China, state-supported projects resulted in the installation of 600 new ropeways across the country, with provincial governments contributing over 60% of the capital costs. Similarly, India’s central government initiated funding for 200 ropeway systems across 15 states, targeting both tourism and rural development.

Urban mobility is another focal point for investment, with cities adopting cable cars as viable alternatives to traditional public transport. India’s upcoming 1,200-kilometer ropeway network, distributed across 200 cities and towns, exemplifies the integration of cable cars into long-term transport planning. These projects are expected to reduce traffic congestion by up to 45% and lower urban carbon emissions by an estimated 18,000 tons annually. In Latin America, cities such as Medellín and La Paz have already implemented city-wide gondola systems that now transport over 500,000 passengers daily, significantly reducing travel times by as much as 60% in hilly terrain. Technological innovation is drawing considerable investment as manufacturers and operators aim to improve system efficiency, safety, and environmental sustainability. Smart ropeways with real-time diagnostics, automatic monitoring systems, and renewable energy integrations now represent 25% of new systems under development. In 2023, over 80 new systems were equipped with solar-assist panels and regenerative braking modules, reducing their net energy consumption by 15% to 20%. Research and development budgets across top-tier ropeway firms have also increased, with more than 300 million units allocated globally for pilot programs and prototyping. Emerging markets, particularly in Southeast Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa, offer high-potential investment corridors. In countries like Vietnam, Indonesia, and Kenya, feasibility studies for ropeway deployment in dense urban areas are already underway. Meanwhile, local governments are forming public-private partnerships to fast-track the deployment process and share operational risks. These collaborations have reduced average construction time from 24 months to as little as 15 months, with some projects generating positive cash flow within the first five years of operation.

New Product Development

The cable car and ropeways market has seen substantial innovation between 2023 and 2024, with manufacturers introducing next-generation technologies to improve system efficiency, rider experience, and sustainability. One of the most prominent developments is the integration of autonomous cabin systems. These cabins are equipped with AI-based route control and obstacle detection sensors, enabling them to operate without manual input while maintaining a high safety standard. As of 2024, more than 40 systems globally are using autonomous cabin technologies, primarily in urban and resort environments, resulting in a 20% reduction in operating personnel costs. In terms of energy efficiency, solar-powered gondola systems have gained significant traction. Several new ropeway lines installed in Spain, Italy, and Japan now feature solar-assist modules and regenerative braking systems that convert downhill motion into stored electrical energy. These systems have demonstrated an average reduction of 15% in grid power consumption. Additionally, manufacturers have introduced dual-energy configurations that switch between electric and solar inputs automatically depending on usage intensity and weather conditions.

Another key development is the introduction of ultra-light modular systems designed for rapid deployment. These systems are composed of prefabricated components, allowing for full assembly in less than 90 days. By comparison, traditional installations often require 8 to 12 months. In 2023 alone, over 60 such systems were deployed across events, tourism hotspots, and rural access corridors in Southeast Asia and Eastern Europe. Each unit supports up to eight passengers and is engineered to operate in diverse terrain, including high-altitude and coastal areas. Enhanced rider comfort and safety have also been a focus of product development. Cabin interiors are now fitted with smart temperature control, noise insulation, and 360-degree panoramic glass. Over 100 systems deployed in 2023 included these features, increasing tourist satisfaction and boosting repeat usage rates by over 35%. Additionally, real-time communication between cabins and control centers enables instant rerouting and evacuation support during emergencies, a critical requirement in high-capacity urban systems. Digital twin technology is beginning to influence design and maintenance planning. More than 25 installations globally are managed using digital replicas of the physical systems, allowing operators to simulate maintenance tasks, model stress points, and forecast service needs before disruptions occur. This development has been shown to reduce annual maintenance downtime by up to 22%.

Five Recent Developments

Doppelmayr Garaventa installed an 8-passenger urban gondola in North America, serving 300,000 riders annually.
POMA delivered a bi-cable aerial tramway system in the Alps, transporting 150 passengers per cabin over a 2.3-kilometer span.
Leitner Ropeways launched solar-assisted gondola modules, reducing energy use by 18% at two Spanish ski resorts.
CWA Constructions introduced panoramic glass cabins, enhancing rider experience; 45 units shipped in 2023.
Damodar Ropeways commissioned India’s first ropeway public transit system, moving 50,000 daily commuters by year-end 2023.

Report Coverage of Cable Car and Ropeways Market

The scope of the study includes more than 10,000 installations globally, with Europe accounting for approximately 9,500 systems, Asia-Pacific for 5,500, North America for 1,200, and the Middle East & Africa hosting nearly 1,200 systems. Passenger transport capacity, number of cabins, cable lengths, and energy usage metrics are analyzed in detail, with a special focus on vertical transportation efficiencies, operational advantages, and installation timelines. Urban ropeways currently operating in over 300 cities are studied with performance indicators including passenger per hour metrics, downtime, and frequency. The report further explores regulatory landscapes and compliance requirements, comparing safety certification procedures across jurisdictions. It evaluates technological standards such as cable grade specifications, wind resistance thresholds, and digital monitoring requirements. Comparative analysis of urban systems shows that cable cars can cut commute times by up to 50% in densely populated regions, while maintaining lower infrastructure footprints than conventional public transport systems. Company profiling includes major players like Doppelmayr Garaventa and POMA, highlighting the number of installations, product innovations, geographic penetration, and annual production volumes. Over 25 other manufacturers are also assessed in terms of market share, specialization areas, and technological capabilities. The report evaluates industry benchmarks such as maintenance cycles, system longevity, and user satisfaction. Included as well are details on environmental impacts, carbon savings, and renewable energy integrations, with quantifiable data from solar-assisted and hybrid power systems. The report presents cost-per-kilometer comparisons between ropeways and rail or bus systems and explains how modularity in design leads to reduced construction times and better adaptability. The analysis uses verified datasets, global project reports, and proprietary industry inputs to present a factual and in-depth market overview. Designed for infrastructure developers, policymakers, transport planners, and investors, the report serves as a decision-making tool for capital allocation, project initiation, technology sourcing, and long-term strategy development in the rapidly evolving cable car and ropeways market.

Frequently Asked Questions

What value is the Cable Car and Ropeways market expected to touch by 2033

The global Cable Car and Ropeways market is expected to reach USD 6.57 Million by 2033.

What is CAGR of the Cable Car and Ropeways market expected to exhibit by 2033?

The Cable Car and Ropeways market is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 4.97% by 2033.

Which are the top companies operating in the Cable Car and Ropeways market?

Doppelmayr Garaventa Group (Austria), POMA Group (France), Leitner Ropeways (Italy), BMF Bennes Marrel Faymonville (France), MND Group (France), CWA Constructions SA/Corp. (Switzerland), Bartholet Maschinenbau AG (Switzerland), DCC Doppelmayr Cable Car GmbH & Co. KG (Austria), Nippon Cable Co., Ltd. (Japan), Damodar Ropeways & Infra Limited (India)