The planned cable car to Jerusalem’s Old City is moving forward again after years of delays and uncertainty. Official documents from the Jerusalem Development Authority (JDA) show that planning work is being renewed and that the project is moving toward its next stages.

The latest development came in September 2026, when the JDA published an official notice about its intention to hire ROPES Ropeway Engineering, an international company, to provide consulting services for the Old City cable car project.

According to the JDA, its professional team determined that no Israeli company was able to provide the required services. The authority therefore gave Israeli companies until September 30, 2026, to notify the JDA if they were able to carry out the work.

What is being planned?

According to the JDA’s plans, the cable car is intended to improve access to the Old City and become part of Jerusalem’s public transportation system. The JDA describes it as an additional transportation option that would improve access to the area and help reduce traffic on the roads leading to the Old City.

The planned route begins around the First Station complex, continues toward Mount Tzion and ends near the Dung Gate, close to the Old City. Official planning documents include three passenger stations and an additional operating station.

The plan is for the cable car to serve as part of the city’s transportation network, rather than simply as a tourist attraction. The project’s stated goals include improving access to the Old City, shortening travel times and reducing the need for private cars in the area.

Why is the project being planned again?

Recent JDA documents show continued work on the project, including the move to bring in specialized international ropeway engineering expertise.

The September notice is an important development because it shows that the authority is continuing professional work on the project and moving ahead with additional engineering support.

However, the project is still in the planning and development stage. Construction has not begun, and there is currently no final opening date announced by the JDA.

What will it cost?

The final cost of the project may change as the planning continues and the final project structure is determined. For that reason, it would be premature to present a final construction cost as confirmed.

The JDA continues to list the Old City cable car as one of the projects it is promoting as part of its work to develop Jerusalem.

So, what is the situation today?

The bottom line: the cable car has not been built, but the project is not abandoned. The JDA is actively moving it forward, and in September 2026 it published an official notice regarding a planned engagement with ROPES for engineering consulting services.

For residents and visitors, this means that the project is once again moving through active planning and development - but there is still a significant process ahead before construction and operation can begin, and there is currently no final opening date.