Réunion to Launch Net Zero Energy Urban Cable Car by 2028

Réunion Island is set to debut a new kind of mass transit system—an urban cable car that generates as much energy as it consumes. Scheduled for completion in 2028, ZÈL La Montagne will connect the Bellepierre district to the highland area of La Montagne in just four minutes. But speed is only part of the equation. The system’s defining feature is its commitment to energy neutrality, achieved through a smart grid integrating photovoltaic production and energy recovery from descending cabins.

The project is led by French engineering company MND and backed by an international consortium, with regional support from CINOR (the Intercommunal Community of Northern Réunion). Once operational, the system will support over 600 passengers per hour in each direction, operating across a 1,315-meter line with a vertical gain of over 300 meters.

Designed to operate independently from external power sources, the cable car network will also supply energy to auxiliary systems like stations, lighting, and parking zones. By embedding renewable energy sources directly into the infrastructure, the development demonstrates how cities can manage steep terrain and reduce emissions at the same time.

Integrated Design, Local Roots, and a Practical Vision

Rather than a standalone lift, ZÈL La Montagne is part of a broader mobility hub designed for multimodal access. The infrastructure includes a park-and-ride system, bicycle storage, and improved pedestrian pathways—all integrated into the urban layout to encourage car-free commuting.

The project consortium includes SBTPC SOGEA Réunion (VINCI Construction), SYSTRA, Atelier Architectes & Ingénierie, STEM INTERNATIONAL, and SODIPARC. MND will retain a majority stake in the operating company, supporting both long-term engagement and job creation across the build and operational phases.

With two 50-person aerial tramway cabins traveling at speeds of up to 7.5 m/s, the line is engineered for both performance and user comfort. Wind resistance of up to 28 m/s, noise-dampening features, and anti-vibration systems make it suitable for the island’s challenging weather conditions.

Visually, the system is designed to reflect its environment. From cabins inspired by the island’s climate to pylons shaped after the local banyan tree and paille-en-queue bird, ZÈL La Montagne blends function with regional identity. Lyon-based design studio Avant-Première, known for its work on the Riyadh Metro and European tram networks, shaped the architectural approach in collaboration with local stakeholders.

As Réunion looks to strengthen its infrastructure while maintaining environmental integrity, ZÈL La Montagne illustrates how high-performance mobility systems can work with, not against, their surroundings.