In a significant stride towards modern urban transportation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for India’s first urban ropeway project in Varanasi in March 2023. Spanning 3.75 km and featuring five stations, the Varanasi Ropeway aims to enhance connectivity and ease travel for tourists, pilgrims, and residents.
The Varanasi Ropeway will link Varanasi Cantonment Railway Station to Godowlia, with the initial segment between Varanasi Cantonment and RathYatra set for completion by August 2024. This ambitious venture is part of the National Ropeways Development Programme, ‘Parvatmala Pariyojana,’ and boasts an estimated Phase I cost of Rs 645 crore, anticipated to be finalized by 2025.
Officials reported to the Economic Times that this development will improve accessibility between the Varanasi Cantonment Station and crucial destinations in the city’s southern and western sectors. Pulkit Garg, vice-chairman of the Varanasi Development Authority, highlighted the project’s progress, showcasing a gondola at Dashashwamedh Plaza. Prime Minister Modi experienced a virtual gondola ride earlier this year.
Garg announced that trial runs of the gondolas would commence by the end of July, with passenger services expected to launch between November and December. Initially, the service will operate between Varanasi Junction (Cantt railway station) and RathYatra via Kashi Vidyapeeth, with further extensions to Godowlia following the first phase.
The Varanasi Ropeway promises not only breathtaking aerial views of Varanasi but also a significant reduction in travel time. The journey between Varanasi Junction and Godowlia will take just 16 minutes. The service will feature approximately 150 gondolas, each with a capacity of 10 passengers, collectively accommodating up to 6,000 passengers per hour. Gondolas will arrive every 2-3 minutes at any of the four stations, ensuring a smooth and efficient transit experience.
This project marks a pivotal moment in urban transportation in India, promising to revolutionize travel within Varanasi and provide a model for future urban ropeway projects across the country.