Funicular

A Funicular is a type of ski lift system popular in the mountainous region. The other names, by which a Funicular is also known, are inclined railway , funicular railway , inclined plane or cliff railway .

A Funicular consists of two tram-like vehicles connected to each other by a cable wire. There is a pulley attached at the top of the machine which balances the vehicles to move up and down steep slopes without much effort. This type of transportation can be considered as a gift of modern science, which helps in reducing time and making human lives fast, smooth and comfortable. Funiculars are mostly favorable for the elderly and handicapped persons.

Some of the world's Funiculars are Katoomba Scenic Railway , which moves down the wall of the Jamison Valley near Katoomba, New South Wales of Australia. The Great Incline of the Mount Lowe Railway has various types of gradations. The longest cable Funicular in Europe is at the Swiss Kandertal . Some Funiculars are water driven. They are the Lynton and Lynmouth Cliff Railway i n North Devon, England, the Nerobergbahn in Wiesbaden Germany, Bom Jesus Funicular in Braga Portugal. The last one is the oldest in the world and is still in fairly good condition.

Funiculars are responsible for making the passengers avoid dangers in the steep snow covered mountains. It can be said that these vehicles are useful in the hilly areas for moving from one place to another quickly.