Cable car in Madrid: Major upgrade kicks off

In Spain's capital, work has begun to modernize the cable car — the entire technical system will be overhauled, the cabins replaced, and the stations rebuilt. Here are the details of the project.

In Madrid, Spain’s capital, renovation work has begun on the cable car that connects the city center with Casa de Campo park. The old cable car was built in 1969 but has been closed since 2022 following an inspection.

Technical upgrades

The new line will keep the same 2.5-kilometer stretch between the Pintor Rosales and Casa de Campo stations. But thanks to technical and aesthetic improvements, the ride will feel completely different.

According to El Confidencial, there will be 47 new cabins — down from 80 previously — each carrying up to 10 people (up from six).

The system will also be faster: speeds will rise from 3.5 to 6 meters per second. This is partly possible because the cable car is switching from a two-rope system to a more efficient, modern single-rope setup.

The stations will be almost completely rebuilt.

Smart technologies

The cabins and towers will be equipped with smart sensors that actively monitor safety. Artificial intelligence will track visitor flows and raise alerts if any issues arise.

Modern cybersecurity protocols, along with digital integration through interactive displays, apps, and real-time information, will create a connected, seamless experience.

Modern Stations

The Pintor Rosales and Casa de Campo stations will be almost completely rebuilt. Most of the old buildings will be demolished, making way for new terminals that are larger, fully accessible, and energy-efficient.

The facades will be clad in wood:

this helps them blend more naturally into the landscape.

More sustainability

The city government promises that the project will significantly reduce emissions, optimize energy use, and improve the CO₂ footprint. The new design focuses on energy efficiency and environmentally friendly infrastructure.

Timeline and costs

According to Madrid Secreto, renovation work is expected to take around 14 months from the actual start of construction.

However, due to the technical and environmental complexity, the city government estimates that completing all phases could take up to 26 months.

The total investment for the project is €26.26 million.