Canillo Cable Car Project Stalled Without Full Landowner Consensus

Jordi Alcobé, the cònsol major of Canillo, has acknowledged that the proposed cable car project linking the parish to l'Armiana cannot proceed without the agreement of all eight affected landowners.

Speaking to journalists after a recent council meeting, Alcobé confirmed that the comú has reached deals with six of the property owners. He plans to announce agreements on land cessions and overflight rights at upcoming council sessions. Once those are finalized, the comú intends to resume talks with the remaining two landowners, who continue to oppose the scheme.

Alcobé described the objectors' stance as firm, noting that no further meetings have taken place with them so far. "It is our duty to seek agreement and solutions," he said, adding that the comú aims to advance with the six while exploring common ground with the holdouts.

The cònsol stressed that every landowner's approval is essential, as the current route—which minimises impact on private properties, avoids overflying existing buildings, and maximises communal land—is the most direct and feasible option. Without full consensus, the project would become unviable.

Opposition stems from reluctance to have a mechanical structure near properties, rather than financial concerns. Alcobé ruled out money as an issue, stating it has never been discussed because that is not the objectors' goal. He acknowledged that such projects always provoke some resistance, but argued each property's situation differs—ranging from proximity to main roads, avalanche risk zones, and overflight heights.

Despite this, Alcobé highlighted the cable car's benefits, including implicit business from around 150,000 annual visitors akin to those at the Tibetan bridge. He cited similar installations in Encamp and La Massana, where no one now questions their value to land. The agreements would also include advance urban development cessions adding worth to the area. For the comú, the issue boils down to perception, which must shift for the project to move forward.