The Economic Times

In 1793, England completed an inclined plane that carried canal boats 207 feet uphill on wheeled cradles before returning them to the water

Around 200 years ago, a brilliant team of engineers in England created the Hay Inclined Plane, revolutionizing canal boat transport. This ingenious design enabled boats to move between the River Severn and the Shropshire Canal bypassing locks. By harnessing gravity and the power of counterweights, the system enhanced transport efficiency. As railways became more prevalent in the 19th century, its importance waned.