Takamaka funicular
Takamaka funicular allows EDF employees to access the two hydroelectric generating stations: Takamaka 1 and 2. Located in the rainiest area of France, it is subjected to harsh weather conditions (7 m of rain or water per year). The funicular is flexible: it can be used to transport equipment or it can be used to transport personnel through the addition of a cabin. The very steep slope (close to 100%) and the important rolling load require a particular rail brake, in this case a standing rope system damped through an hydraulic cylinder in the upper station.
Data sheet
| Administrative | |
| Station | Takamaka (Saint-Benoit, Island of Réunion) hydroelectric power plant |
| Firm number | – |
| Category | FUN-Funiculaire |
| Name | Funiculaire de Takamaka |
| Opening year | 1967 |
| Last refurbishment year | 1967 |
| Operator | EDF |
| Main manufacturer | MANCINI modified by GIMAR in 1986 and ISR in 1992 |
| Authorized up traffic | 30 persons per run |
| Authorized down traffic | 30 persons per run |
| Uphill operating speed | 0.7 m/s |
| Downhill operating speed | 0.7 m/s |
| Technical | |
| Altitude difference | 248.8 m |
| Lower station elevation | 547 m |
| Upper station elevation | 795.8 m |
| Developed lenght | 377 m |
| Horizontal length | – |
| Spacing | – |
| Maximum gradient (%) | 94.9 % |
| Average gradient | 94.9 % |
| Theoretical operating speed | 0.7 m/s |
| Theroretical up traffic | 30 persons per run |
| Theoretical down traffic | 30 persons per run |
| Motor cab position | AMONT |
| Cable | |
| Installation year | – |
| Function | Uphill haul rope |
| Position | Uphill |
| Manufacturer | ARCELOR MITTAL |
| Ultimate strength (UTS) | – |
| Diameter | 36 mm |
| Electrical | |
| Main engine type | Continuous |
| Engine power | 135 kW |