A mock-up of the First Station cable car station in Jerusalem, which is currently in approval phases. Photo: Jerusalem Development Authority.

JNS.org – Israel’s National Infrastructure Committee approved on Monday the controversial plans to build a $55 million cable car system to transport visitors in and out of Jerusalem’s Old City.

Advanced by the Tourism Ministry and Jerusalem Development Authority, the 1.5 km long cable car route will help relieve traffic congestion and increase accessibility to the area of the Holy Basin, which includes Jerusalem’s Old City. The route would stretch from Jerusalem’s First Station complex to Mount Zion, and then down to the Old City’s Dung Gate, near the entrance to the Western Wall Plaza and Ir David archaeological park.

If approved, the cable car will be able to carry 3,000 passengers per hour in each direction, utilizing 73 carriages.

Some opponents have said that the modern structure would harm the ancient feel of the city, and Palestinian groups have objected to the plan, saying that carriages would be moving over Palestinian areas.