Modernization Project of €4 Million Will Focus on Funchal Station and Cable Replacement
As previously reported, the Funchal cable car will close from January 5, 2026, for its most extensive renovation since opening in 2000. Teleféricos da Madeira announced that the €4 million project will mainly target
The Funchal station
replace the cable, and update the system’s technology
The work is scheduled to last approximately three months, until April. Ricardo Pinto Correia, the company’s administrator, said, “This is a planned intervention, the first of this scale in 25 years of operation.”
Last year, the infrastructure transported 1.1 million passengers, with a projected growth of 5 to 10% in 2025.
Closure Will Be the Longest in History, Exceeding Typical Weather-Related Stops
Correia emphasized that the planned shutdown will surpass any previous interruptions. “Except for some short stops due to bad weather, we have never been stopped for such a long period,” he noted. The cable car has historically operated with high reliability, making this extended closure unprecedented.
New Cable and Technology Will Improve Safety, Comfort, and Environmental Efficiency
While the current cable remains in good condition, the company conducts monthly magnetic inspections to ensure passenger safety. The upcoming replacement will use modern materials and technology to improve comfort and confidence for riders. The renovation will also enhance energy efficiency and reduce environmental impact. “There are now new products, new materials, and new components that will make the cable car not only more comfortable and safe but also more ecological,” Correia explained.
Funchal Cable Car Recognized for Contribution to Tourism and Regional Mobility
During a ceremony celebrating World Tourism Day, Teleféricos da Madeira received the Funchal Municipal Tourism Distinction for its role in promoting tourism and economic activity. The company currently employs 32 people and reported transporting 1.1 million passengers last year. Officials expect ridership to grow by 5 to 10 percent in 2025, reflecting the cable car’s ongoing importance to the region. Correia highlighted the company’s focus on safety, infrastructure quality, and worker value as key to maintaining a first-class service.
Source: Diário de Notícias Madeira
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