EVOLUTION OF ROPEWAYS
EVOLUTION OF ROPEWAYS
As far back as thousands of years ago, transport problems were already being solved with the help of ropes. Ropes, wound or woven from animal skins or plant fibers helped to surmount rivers and gorges. Such early Ropeways have been found in China, Japan, Brazil, New Zealand, and India.
The history of Ropeways is directly related to the development and manufacturing of ropes and cables. The invention of the steel cable and new power sources (steam engines and electric motors) increased the speed of the further development of new Ropeway systems. Initially, the development was focused on Ropeways for transportation of goods, later interest turned to Ropeways for passenger transport.
Although, the Ropeway system has been in use since ancient times in one form or the other, gradual upgradation in technology has made it a safe, reliable and economical mode of transportation. The conventional transport system, although in use for long, has serious drawbacks in terms of financial viability, environmental safety and last-mile connectivity. To meet such challenges, Ropeway, as an alternative mode of transport is widely being sought across the world.
