Overview of the Puerto Plata Cable Car Renovation
The Government of the Dominican Republic has unveiled a comprehensive rehabilitation project for the Puerto Plata Cable Car, featuring an investment exceeding USD 20 million. The project is anticipated to take 18 months to complete, as revealed by Minister of the Presidency José Ignacio Paliza and Minister of Tourism David Collado, as reported by the Dominican economic news outlet theMoney.
Investment and Funding Sources
The funds for this significant investment will be sourced from the Ministry of Tourism (Mitur) and the Dominican Institute of Civil Aviation (IDAC).
Modernization Features
Key upgrades include increasing the passenger capacity of each cabin from 18 to 50 passengers and reducing the journey time from eight to five minutes, all in alignment with a new electromechanical design facilitating speeds of 10 meters per second. Such enhancements aim to accommodate rising visitor demands while optimizing tourism operations.
Safety and Accessibility Improvements
The modernization also involves adapting the cable car system to European UNE-EN regulations, focusing on safety and maintenance standards. Furthermore, the stations will be remodeled to ensure universal accessibility while preserving the site’s historical identity. The plan will be executed by the Executing Unit for the Readaptation of Neighborhoods and Environments (URBE).
Local Implications and Community Reactions
The project aims to engage local workers and merchants throughout the construction period. Minister Collado emphasized that no vendors from the adjacent shopping plaza will be displaced during rehabilitation, ensuring the continuity of nearby businesses.
This modernization positions the Puerto Plata Cable Car as a premier exemplar of safety standards and tourist services in the Dominican Republic, aspiring to attract even more visitors.
Technical Modernization Details
Recent measures include the repeal of a previous decree that mandated the establishment of a public trust for the cable car’s management.
President Luis Abinader has canceled Decree No. 162-25, thereby revoking the FI-TEPP public trust as outlined in Decree No. 215-26, signed on March 31, 2026. This change is in light of the available funds exceeding 20 million dollars earmarked for the modernization of this vital tourist infrastructure.
The government is steadfast in its commitment to the Puerto Plata Cable Car as a vital tourist reference and as a passage to the Loma Isabel de Torres, Natural Monument.
