Because of the natural circumstances, it is difficult to connect districts Prague 6 and Prague 8. There is no direct link between the two areas, and passengers are obliged to use longer and more complex routes with several connections between bus, tram and underground train.

In addition, two institutions need to be made more accessible: the zoological garden complex, one of the most important and most frequented leisure destinations in Prague; and the Troja Basin, which is one of the most sensitive natural habitats in the Czech capital.

A tramline has therefore been planned. This will guarantee a series of direct links, with no need for passengers to make connections. The complex natural circumstances unfortunately mean that the new tram will also require construction both of a new bridge over the Vltava and of a tunnel.

This is very time-consuming and expensive. Back in 2018 Michal Andelek, Project Manager at Prague Public Transit Company, therefore proposed plans for the introduction of an urban cable car.

The cable car project

“We are working on a tramline, but this requires us to build a new bridge over the Vltava as well as a tunnel almost a kilometre long in the rock to Bohnice. We were therefore looking for a quicker solution to connect Prague 6, Troja and Prague 8,” Prague Deputy Mayor Adam Scheinherr said.

The construction of a cable car should provide a temporary solution within a short time. This makes the connection more attractive but in no way jeopardises construction of the tramline, which is a priority.

Once the tramline opens, it is expected that the cable car will be used primarily for leisure and tourism, as it also connects major leisure and tourism destinations (zoo, botanical gardens, Troja Basin with many natural and cultural monuments.

Moreover, at a time of increasing danger from climate change, when people all over the world are endeavouring to create a more sustainable future, the cable car is a popular and more environmentally friendly solution – which is why it is being considered in many cities across Europe.

The architectural competition

Interested parties can apply by the end of May to take part in the competition. The winner will be announced in August this year.

“After approval of the plan by the city council, we will continue with preparation of the project. The next stage is a competition, from which the form of the stations should emerge,” Adam Scheinherr mentions in a statement to the press.

The aim will be to integrate the cable car buildings sensitively into the very precious natural environment of the Troja Basin.

Costs

Initial estimates of the investment costs amount to around 1.5 to 1.9 billion Czech crowns (61 – 77 million euro). If no resources e.g. from EU funds are used, the project will be financed from the capital budget of the city of Prague.

Anticipated start of construction

If there are no major complications in the preparation, completion of the cable car is expected in 2025 – 2026.