Varanasi to Launch India’s First Urban Ropeway

The Varanasi Ropeway Project, heralded as India’s first urban ropeway venture, is advancing at a remarkable pace. The initial segment, linking Varanasi Cantonment Railway Station to RathYatra, is on track for completion by August 2024.

This ambitious initiative is part of the National Ropeways Development Programme, ‘Parvatmala Pariyojana,’ aiming to enhance connectivity across urban landscapes. Phase I of the project, anticipated to be finished by 2025, carries an estimated cost of Rs 645 crore. The Passenger Ropeway, extending 3.75 km with five strategically placed stations from Varanasi Cantt station to Godowlia, is poised to significantly improve the ease of movement for tourists, pilgrims, and local residents alike. Pulkit Garg, vice-chairman of the Varanasi Development Authority, recently showcased a gondola at Dashaswamedh Plaza, highlighting the Prime Minister’s virtual experience of boarding one earlier this year.

Trial runs for the gondolas are set to commence by the end of July, with passenger services expected to start between November and December. The initial operational phase will cover the route from Varanasi Junction (Cantt railway station) to RathYatra via Kashi Vidyapeeth. Following this, efforts will continue to extend the full route to Godowlia, enhancing the city’s transport infrastructure.

The ropeway promises not only spectacular aerial views of Varanasi but also a substantial reduction in travel time between Varanasi Junction and Godowlia, compressing the journey to a swift 16 minutes. With a capacity to transport 6,000 passengers per hour, the service will feature approximately 150 gondolas. Each gondola, accommodating ten passengers, will operate on the up and down cables, with intervals of 2-3 minutes between arrivals at any of the four stations. This initiative is set to revolutionise urban transit in Varanasi, easing congestion and providing a modern, efficient mode of transport. The project underscores the government’s commitment to developing innovative urban mobility solutions that cater to the needs of rapidly growing cities. As part of the larger Parvatmala Pariyojana, the Varanasi Ropeway Project represents a significant step towards achieving a sustainable and integrated transport network.

The operationalisation of the Varanasi Ropeway is expected to bolster the city’s appeal as a major tourist and pilgrimage destination. By offering a quick, scenic, and efficient travel option, the ropeway will facilitate smoother movement across key areas, enhancing the overall experience for visitors and residents. This pioneering project sets a precedent for future urban mobility solutions in India, blending innovation with practicality to meet the demands of modern urbanisation.