News

Plans to develop a 6.7-kilometer cable car system between central Panama City and San Miguelito recently took a step forward.

The Ministry of Housing and Territorial Planning published a decree that will start the process of defining the route, which seeks to improve urban mobility and raise the quality of life of residents in the Panama and San Miguelito districts. Cable cars and gondolas are becoming increasingly common options for cities, providing people with an economic transportation option that doesn’t involve cars.

The cable car route is expected to include six stations: Balboa, Cincuentenario (Panama district) and Samaria, Mano de Piedra, Valle de Urracá, and Torrijos Carter (San Miguelito district).

The new decree primarily addressed technical issues related to the setup and implementation of the project. Once the final alignment and profile of the project are defined, the area or easement of influence of the cabins will be established through the corresponding legal channels, according to coverage in El Capital Financero. There will also be an analysis of the clearance and potential obstacles to ensure safe operation.

Language in the new decree also addressed the acquisition of land and the methodology for addressing any impact on economic activity. Any move will also need the approval of Metro de Panama.

The construction of the cable car is expected to take approximately 24 months, starting from the date the notice to proceed is issued. It is expected to cost $200 million.