Antananarivo, the bustling capital of Madagascar, a city etched into the southeastern coast of Africa, is undergoing a significant transformation in its urban mobility landscape. For a city grappling with the pressures of a burgeoning population, now exceeding three million inhabitants in a space originally designed for a tenth of that number, the daily struggle against traffic congestion has become a defining characteristic. The existing public transportation system, primarily reliant on shared taxis, has struggled to keep pace with the escalating demands, leading to prolonged commutes, economic inefficiencies, and a noticeable decline in air quality. In response to these pressing challenges, the government of Madagascar has embarked on an ambitious infrastructure endeavor: the Antananarivo urban cable car system. This pioneering project, featuring two distinct lines – the Green Line and the Orange Line – represents a bold step towards introducing a modern, efficient, and environmentally conscious mode of public transportation to the heart of the nation.

The Genesis of an Elevated Solution: Addressing Antananarivo’s Mobility Crisis

The inception of the Antananarivo cable car project can be traced back to a growing recognition of the capital’s dire need for a sustainable and effective solution to its chronic traffic woes. For a city where the average resident reportedly spends up to two hours a day ensnared in traffic or undertaking arduous journeys on foot, the introduction of an alternative mode of transport became paramount. The challenging and uneven topography of Antananarivo further complicates traditional ground-based transportation solutions, making an elevated system like a cable car an inherently logical approach.

The vision for this transformative project was championed by Madagascan President Andry Rajoelina, who recognized the potential of a cable car system to not only alleviate traffic congestion but also to position Madagascar as a leader in innovative and sustainable transportation solutions within the African continent. The core objectives underpinning the project are multifaceted: to significantly reduce the heavy traffic congestion that paralyzes the city, to substantially shorten the daily commuting times for its residents, and to contribute to a marked improvement in the environmental quality of the urban area by reducing vehicle emissions.

The initial groundwork for the cable car system was laid by POMA, a renowned French cable car manufacturer, which conducted a comprehensive feasibility study to assess the viability and optimal routes for the network. The proposed routes for both the Green and Orange Lines were subsequently refined and finalized by political stakeholders, demonstrating a collaborative approach to the project’s planning and implementation. This meticulous planning phase underscores the commitment to ensuring that the cable car system effectively addresses the specific transportation needs of Antananarivo’s diverse neighborhoods.

Financing the Ascent: An International Collaboration

The sheer scale and ambition of the Antananarivo urban cable car project necessitate a significant financial undertaking. The total cost of constructing this innovative transportation network amounted to a substantial €152 million. Securing the necessary funding for a project of this magnitude required international collaboration and financial partnerships. The primary source of funding for the cable car system is a bank loan, the repayment of which is guaranteed by the Banque Publique d’Investissement, a French public sector investment bank. This guarantee highlights the strong financial backing and confidence placed in the project’s success.

Furthermore, a significant portion of the project’s financing, totaling €28 million, was secured through a loan from the French Treasury. This direct financial contribution from the French government underscores the interstate agreement between France and the Republic of Madagascar, solidifying the collaborative nature of this infrastructure development. This international partnership not only provided the crucial financial resources but also brought together the technical expertise necessary for the successful execution of such a complex engineering project. The involvement of French companies like POMA and Colas in the construction further exemplifies this international collaboration.

The Green Line: Connecting Anosy and Ankatsoa

The “Green Line” of the Antananarivo cable car system is a pivotal component of the overall network, specifically designed to establish a vital transportation link between the neighborhoods of Anosy and Ankatsoa. Anosy is likely a central and high-activity district within Antananarivo, potentially housing commercial, administrative, or cultural hubs. Ankatsoa, on the other hand, may represent a more residential area or perhaps a district with challenging terrain that makes access via traditional ground transportation more difficult. The direct connection provided by the Green Line is intended to significantly improve the ease and speed of travel between these two key points within the city.

While the precise locations of all the stations along the Green Line are not explicitly detailed in the available research, the entire urban cable car network, encompassing both the Green Line and the Orange Line, will feature a total of twelve strategically positioned stations throughout Antananarivo. These stations are designed to maximize the accessibility and overall effectiveness of the cable car system in serving a wide range of commuters across different parts of the city.

During the planning phase, the initial route of the Green Line underwent some significant adjustments. These modifications included a decision to reroute the line so that it would no longer pass over the Collège Saint Michel in Amparibe and the cathedral of Andohalo, likely in response to concerns or feedback from these prominent institutions or the local community. Notably, the business district of Antaninarenina was incorporated into the service area of the cable car network, indicating a strategic consideration to enhance the system’s utility for professionals and to support economic activities within this key commercial hub.

The Green Line itself is designed to offer a swift and efficient journey, with an estimated travel time of just 10 minutes between Anosy and Ankatsoa. This represents a potentially dramatic reduction in travel time for commuters traveling between these areas, especially when compared to existing road-based options that are frequently subject to considerable delays due to traffic congestion.

A Network of Efficiency: Capacity and Coverage

The Antananarivo urban cable car network, of which the Green Line is a crucial part, boasts impressive specifications designed to handle a significant volume of commuters. The entire system spans a length of approximately 12 to 13 kilometers and includes the aforementioned twelve stations. The system has a substantial overall transport capacity, capable of moving between 2,200 and 2,800 passengers per hour in each direction. This high hourly capacity translates to an estimated daily capacity ranging from 40,000 to as high as 75,000 passengers, underscoring its potential to significantly impact daily commuting patterns.

The cable car system utilizes a fleet of approximately 300 modern gondolas, each designed to comfortably accommodate up to 10 passengers. This combination of a large number of gondolas and their individual capacity contributes to the system’s overall high transport volume. Furthermore, the cable car is planned to have extensive operating hours, expected to run for 12 to 16 hours each day, commencing service early in the morning at 5:00 AM. This extended operational period is intended to cater to a wide range of commuter schedules and maximize the system’s utility for the residents of Antananarivo.

Progress and Future Prospects: Inauguration and Beyond

The construction of the Antananarivo urban cable car project has progressed steadily, marked by significant milestones. While initial plans anticipated the commencement of construction in June 2022 with a 24-month completion timeline, the first tangible step towards realization occurred on June 21, 2024, with the official inauguration of the first section of the cable car system. This event, attended by President Andry Rajoelina and various Malagasy and French officials, marked a crucial moment in the history of urban transport in the capital.

Throughout June 2024, leading up to and following the inauguration, rigorous safety testing and assessments were actively conducted on the newly constructed cable car system. These comprehensive tests, involving checks on braking systems and the functionality of numerous sensors along the line and in the stations, are paramount to ensuring the overall safety and long-term reliability of the transportation system before it is opened to the public.

Despite the successful inauguration and the completion of safety testing, the cable cars are not yet operational for the general public. The current timeline indicates that public service is scheduled to commence sometime in the year 2025. This phased approach to the rollout of the cable car service likely allows for final preparations, including the training of operational staff, the completion of any remaining infrastructure work, and the opportunity to address any unforeseen issues before the full-scale launch of public operations.

Navigating Challenges: Affordability and Public Perception

While the Antananarivo cable car project represents a significant leap forward in the city’s infrastructure, it has also faced scrutiny and generated discussions regarding its public perception and potential challenges. A primary concern among residents is the cost of the cable car tickets. With a fare reported to be approximately €1 (around 80 euro cents), which is significantly higher – about six times the price – than a typical bus ticket, there are widespread fears that this new mode of transportation will be financially inaccessible to a large portion of the Malagasy population, particularly when considering the prevailing minimum wage levels in the country. This affordability issue could potentially limit the widespread adoption and overall impact of the cable car system in addressing the transportation needs of all residents.

Furthermore, some residents have voiced the opinion that the government should have prioritized addressing more fundamental and immediate issues facing the city, such as the persistent problems with unreliable water supply and frequent electricity cuts, before allocating substantial resources to a cable car project. These concerns highlight a potential divergence in priorities between the government’s vision for urban development and the more immediate needs perceived by some segments of the population.

In response to the concerns about affordability, the government has announced plans to implement subsidized fare options specifically for students and pensioners. This indicates an awareness of the financial challenges that some residents may face and an attempt to make the cable car service more accessible to these vulnerable groups. President Andry Rajoelina has strongly defended the cable car project against these criticisms, emphasizing its crucial role in the country’s ongoing efforts towards transformation and overall development. He drew a historical parallel to the initial public skepticism surrounding the construction of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, suggesting that visionary projects often face resistance but ultimately become iconic and highly beneficial landmarks.

Conclusion: A New Chapter for Antananarivo’s Urban Mobility

The Antananarivo urban cable car project, with its Green Line connecting Anosy and Ankatsoa, marks a significant turning point in the capital city’s efforts to modernize its transportation infrastructure. Born out of a pressing need to alleviate chronic traffic congestion and improve the quality of life for its rapidly growing population, the project represents a bold vision championed by President Rajoelina and brought to fruition through international collaboration and substantial financial investment from France.

While the inauguration of the first section in June 2024 signifies a major step forward, the project is not without its challenges, particularly concerning the affordability of fares for a significant portion of the population. The government’s commitment to implementing subsidized fares for certain groups indicates an effort to address these concerns and ensure broader accessibility.

As Antananarivo looks towards the full public launch of the cable car system in 2025, the project holds the promise of transforming urban mobility, reducing commuting times, and contributing to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly capital city. The “Green Line” and the entire cable car network represent more than just a new mode of transport; they symbolize Madagascar’s commitment to progress and its aspiration to soar towards a brighter, more mobile future.