Three plans have been analyzed in a feasibility study presented on Wednesday for putting a derelict cable car system back in operation in Chisinau’s Buiucani district. Of the three scenarios, two are considered feasible.

According to the study, the rehabilitation of the aerial tram could be done through a public-private partnership, while a concessionaire would take care of the adjacent area.

With the upper terminal located on Nicolae H.Costin Street and the lower one on Calea Ieșilor, the aerial tram was put in operation in 1991 and shut down only six years later. Its equipment is now inoperable.

One of the scenarios considered feasible requires 7.5 million euros in investment, and the other 10 million euros. Both envisage the construction of ski runs, with the more expensive plan proposing snow cannons as well. In the warm season, the ski runs could be transformed into mountain bike trails. A pedestrian walkway will be built in the adjacent area, as well as two free parking lots and a restaurant in the upper part, and two paid parking lots and a cafe in the lower part.

To implement one of the plans, the municipality could either take out a commercial loan or borrow 60% of the total from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.

The concession contract could bring an income of 251.4 million lei to the municipality over a period of 25 years.

The restoration of the aerial tram is included in a list of public-private investment projects approved by the Chisinau City Council in October 2020.