What does the renovation that the Government is carrying out on the Puerto Plata Cable Car consist of?
The Minister of the Presidency, José Ignacio Paliza, led the start of the comprehensive modernization work on the Puerto Plata Cable Car, an intervention that will renew this emblematic tourist attraction after more than five decades of service.
The project, undertaken by the Unit for the Redevelopment of Neighborhoods and Environments (URBE) in conjunction with the DOMA Consortium (comprised of the Austrian company Doppelmayr Seilbahnen GmbH and the Dominican construction company Grupo Malespín), involves replacing the current system with a modern double-cable swing cable car (ATW), with two new panoramic cabins for 55 passengers each, almost triple the current capacity, as well as new drive, control, monitoring and safety systems.
During the start of the works, Paliza highlighted that this intervention is part of the Government’s efforts to continue strengthening the infrastructure and conditions that accompany the tourism and economic development of Puerto Plata.
“The modernization of the Puerto Plata cable car combines its historical value for this province with a more modern, safe, accessible infrastructure with greater capacity to receive Dominicans and visitors,” said Paliza.
He explained that the modernization includes a comprehensive renovation of the essential components of the cable car, maintaining the route that historically connects with Loma Isabel de Torres.
“It’s not just about replacing the cabins. We’re renewing the cable system, the drives, the controls and safety mechanisms, the electrical infrastructure, and the stations. The goal is to deliver a cable car with next-generation technology, greater capacity, and improved accessibility and service for its users,” the minister added.
Doppelmayr Seilbahnen GmbH is the world’s leading manufacturer of cable cars, funiculars, and cable transport systems. The company designs, builds, and maintains lifts for ski resorts, tourist areas, and urban public transport systems.
The Director General of the Dominican Institute of Civil Aviation (IDAC), Igor Rodríguez, highlighted that the modernization will allow for a system that meets the highest standards of safety and reliability.
“This renovation represents an important step in ensuring that the Puerto Plata Cable Car operates with cutting-edge technology and under rigorous safety standards. At IDAC, as members of the Tourism Cabinet, we support this process, ensuring that the new infrastructure meets the necessary technical requirements to offer users a safe and reliable service,” stated Rodríguez.
With the modernization, the current cabins, with an approximate capacity for between 18 and 20 passengers, will be replaced by panoramic vehicles for 55 people, while the system will have the capacity to move up to 430 passengers per hour in each direction.
The commissioning of the new cable car is planned for the first quarter of 2028, once the assembly, technical tests and the processes required for its entry into operation are completed.
