As Dhaka continues to face mounting challenges in urban mobility, pollution, and traffic congestion, the proposal for a cable car transit system presents a transformative opportunity. However, successful implementation in a dense, highly populated, and infrastructurally complex city like Dhaka requires not just investment but innovation at every level—from planning and engineering to operation and public engagement.
This article explores innovative solutions that can ensure the cable car system in Dhaka is not only efficient and sustainable but also inclusive, scalable, and resilient to the city’s unique challenges.
. Smart Urban Planning and Aerial Zoning
One of the biggest hurdles to introducing cable cars in Dhaka is its irregular urban layout, high-rise buildings, and unplanned settlements. An innovative approach to urban planning is essential.
a. Aerial Corridor Mapping
Use AI-powered GIS (Geographic Information Systems) and LiDAR technology to map safe, unobstructed aerial corridors. These tools can:
- Identify building heights and critical infrastructure
- Simulate wind patterns and environmental hazards
- Optimize cable tower placement to avoid costly land acquisition
b. Vertical Right-of-Way Regulations
Introduce a new category of vertical right-of-way in urban policies, allowing government or private operators to use the space above roads, canals, and government land without purchasing property on the ground.
. Modular and Lightweight Infrastructure
Traditional cable car infrastructure is often expensive and time-consuming to build. Dhaka needs fast, modular solutions.
a. Pre-fabricated Cable Car Stations
Deploy pre-fabricated stations made from lightweight, weather-resistant materials. These can be constructed off-site and installed rapidly, minimizing disruption in high-traffic areas.
b. Compact Towers
Design slender, multi-use cable towers that can also serve as:
- Mobile network towers
- Solar-powered light poles
- CCTV surveillance platforms
This reduces visual clutter and maximizes urban utility.
. Green Energy Integration
To ensure long-term sustainability and reduce operating costs, the cable car system must embrace clean energy.
a. Solar-Powered Stations
Install solar panels on terminal rooftops and towers. This can power lighting, escalators, ticket counters, and digital systems.
b. Regenerative Braking
Incorporate regenerative braking systems in the cable car mechanisms, which convert the mechanical energy of descending cabins into electricity, reducing overall power usage.
c. Battery Storage Systems
Use lithium-ion battery packs or flow batteries to store excess energy generated during the day for night-time operations.
. Digital Ticketing and Cashless Mobility
A successful urban cable car system in Dhaka must offer user-friendly digital access.
a. Mobile App Integration
Develop a cable car mobile app offering:
- Real-time arrival/departure times
- Mobile ticket purchase
- Route planning with metro and bus integration
- Emergency assistance options
b. NFC and QR Code Ticketing
Replace paper tickets with QR codes and NFC-based smart cards, reducing queuing and ensuring faster passenger flow.
c. Digital Kiosks
Deploy multilingual self-service kiosks at each station for people without smartphones, with options for mobile banking, bKash/Nagad, and bank cards.
. Inclusive Design and Accessibility
To ensure the system serves all residents, it must be accessible to people with disabilities, the elderly, and children.
a. Wheelchair-Friendly Cabins
Design cabins with ramps, handrails, and enough space to accommodate wheelchairs or strollers.
b. Voice-Guided Assistance
Enable AI-powered voice navigation in Bengali and English for visually impaired passengers within stations and inside cabins.
c. Priority Access
Introduce priority queues and reserved seating for pregnant women, seniors, and people with special needs.
Data-Driven Operations and AI Analytics
Using real-time data and artificial intelligence can help manage the system efficiently.
a. Predictive Maintenance
Install sensors on towers, cables, and cabins to monitor wear and tear. AI systems can predict equipment failure and schedule preventive maintenance—avoiding costly breakdowns.
b. Passenger Flow Management
Use computer vision to monitor crowd levels at stations. During peak times, increase cabin frequency or open new access points to avoid congestion.
c. Weather and Safety Monitoring
Integrate with meteorological data to automatically pause operations during lightning or storms and resume when conditions are safe.
Hybrid Transit Integration
Cable cars should not operate in isolation but rather be seamlessly integrated with Dhaka’s existing and upcoming transport systems.
a. Transit Hubs
Develop stations near:
- Metro rail intersections
- Bus rapid transit (BRT) stops
- Ferry ghats (launch terminals)
This allows multi-modal commuting under one system.
b. Unified Transport Card
Work with Dhaka Transport Coordination Authority (DTCA) to introduce a single smart card that works for metro rail, buses, rickshaws, and cable cars.
c. First and Last Mile Connectivity
Provide shared electric vehicles (like e-rickshaws or scooters) for passengers to travel the last mile from stations to homes or offices.
Innovative Financing Models
To attract investors and reduce the burden on public funding, innovative financial strategies are required.
a. Green Bonds and Infrastructure Funds
Raise capital through green bonds, which are increasingly attractive to international ESG investors. These funds support clean, sustainable urban development.
b. Real Estate and Commercial Rights
Offer development rights for mini-malls, office space, or apartments near stations to private partners in exchange for investment.
c. Foreign Development Partnerships
Leverage support from global bodies like:
- World Bank
- Asian Development Bank (ADB)
- UN-Habitat
for technical assistance and low-interest loans.
Public Awareness and Behavioral Change
Any new urban mobility solution needs public support.
a. 3D Simulation Centers
Set up interactive demo centers where the public can experience virtual cable car rides, learn safety procedures, and provide feedback.
b. Educational Campaigns
Partner with schools, universities, and NGOs to run campaigns on:
- Eco-friendly transportation
- Urban mobility planning
- Civic responsibility and cleanliness
c. Gamification and Loyalty Rewards
Encourage frequent use by offering loyalty points, games, and monthly rewards for regular passengers via the mobile app.
Tourism and Cultural Innovation
The cable car system should not only serve commuters but also promote Bangladesh’s heritage.
a. Thematic Cabins
Design some cabins with themes—e.g., Liberation War, Sundarbans, Bengali folk art—to attract tourists and raise cultural awareness.
b. Panoramic Night Rides
Offer ticketed evening rides with music, food, and city views, especially over places like Hatirjheel, Dhanmondi Lake, or near the National Parliament.
c. Cultural Events at Stations
Turn station rooftops or nearby areas into spaces for open-air concerts, food festivals, or art exhibitions.
Environmental and Social Resilience
Dhaka is vulnerable to flooding, heat waves, and urban stress. The cable car system must be designed for resilience.
a. Flood-Resistant Structures
Build elevated stations above flood levels and equip them with water pumps and rainwater harvesting systems.
b. Urban Cooling Zones
Surround towers and stations with green rooftops and vertical gardens to reduce the urban heat island effect.
c. Community Participation
Involve local communities in station maintenance, safety patrols, and small business operations (e.g., vending, kiosks), ensuring shared ownership and accountability.
Future-Proofing with AI and IoT
The transport system must be scalable and adaptive to future changes.
a. AI-Based Route Optimization
Over time, use AI to suggest route expansions, demand-based service adjustments, or dynamic pricing models based on data trends.
b. Internet of Things (IoT) Integration
Every part of the cable car—from entry gates to cabin air quality monitors—can be connected to a central IoT dashboard, allowing real-time control.
c. Autonomous Inspection Drones
Deploy drones for regular cable inspections and infrastructure monitoring, reducing the need for manual checks and minimizing downtime.
