noun
cable railway; funicular railway
A railway where cars are pulled by a cable, typically on a steep slope. Often used in technical or descriptive contexts.
この山には鋼索鉄道が通っていて、頂上まで楽に行ける。
A cable railway runs up this mountain, so you can easily reach the summit.
Compound of 鋼索 (steel cable) and 鉄道 (railway). A straightforward technical term with no obscure historical derivation.