As part of a comprehensive initiative to reduce traffic congestion in Ulaanbaatar City, the construction and installation of the city's aerial cable car transport system officially began on March 10, 2025. The cable car system, a significant addition to the city’s transportation infrastructure, aims to provide an efficient and eco-friendly alternative to the growing traffic challenges.
Feasibility and Development of the Second Line
The feasibility study for the second line of the cable car system, which will connect Yaarmag and Artsat Valley to the Unur Residence Complex, has been successfully approved. Key materials, including anchor components for two stations and 19 supporting pillars, have already been delivered. Additional equipment, including the remaining components for the two stations and support pillars T1 and T8, is scheduled for arrival in April 2025. Alongside this, production of the cable car cabins is also set to begin in the same month.
Key Specifications and Operations
Once operational, the cable car system on the Yaarmag-Artsat-Unur Residence Complex route is expected to transport up to 2,320 passengers per hour during peak times. This will be achieved using 98 cabins, each capable of accommodating 10 passengers. The system will cover the 4.2 km distance in approximately 11 minutes, traveling at a speed of 22 km/h.
The aerial cable car system will undergo a six-month trial period once installation is complete, during which no passengers will be carried to ensure all systems function as expected.
Project Details and Timeline
The Yaarmag-Kharkhorin cable car line will feature two stations and 19 supporting pillars, with pillar heights varying from 7.5 to 42 meters. The construction is progressing at a rapid pace, with a focus on completing work before the onset of spring floods and snowmelt.
Chief Engineer G. Tuvshinsanaa emphasized, “Today marks the start of installing the support pillars for the aerial cable car system. Of the 19 pillars, six will be placed in the Tuul River basin to ensure completion ahead of spring floods. Once the pillars are in place, we will proceed with assembling the metal framework. We anticipate that construction will be completed by December this year, with three additional months dedicated to testing and adjustments. The system is expected to be fully operational by the second quarter of next year.”
Construction Techniques and Safety Measures
The construction of the cable car system will involve the installation of reinforced concrete pile foundations and column foundations, with all support structures being sourced from France. The construction team will use drilling techniques reaching depths of 15 to 20 meters, with the concrete foundations extending six to nine meters deep.
In terms of safety, the project team is working closely with Ulaanbaatar’s Rescue Unit and experts from France to ensure the highest standards of safety and best practices throughout the construction and operational phases.
J. Ankhbayar, Construction Manager at Monnis Engineering LLC, commented, “The installation of the foundation and support structures will be a crucial step in the process. We are committed to ensuring safety and efficiency at every stage of the construction.”
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