Varanasi is all set to make history as the first city in India to launch an urban transport ropeway system, joining an elite global club with only two predecessors—La Paz in Bolivia and Mexico City in Mexico.
The ambitious project, known as the Kashi Ropeway, is a pioneering step in public transport for the country and is expected to revolutionize how people navigate the densely packed and historic streets of Varanasi.
- Route: 3.75 km stretch from Varanasi Cantonment Station to Godowlia Chowk
- Stations: Cantt, Vidyapeeth, Rath Yatra, Girja Ghar, and Godowlia
- Capacity: 3,000 passengers per hour, per direction
- Travel Time: Reduced from 45–60 minutes by road to just 16 minutes via ropeway
- Technology: Swiss-engineered gondolas with a capacity of 10 passengers each
After Bolivia’s “Mi Teleférico” and Mexico’s “Mexicable”, Varanasi becomes only the third city in the world to use a ropeway system as a mainstream mode of urban transportation, not just for tourism or mountain regions.
Trial runs are currently underway, and the full launch is expected by the end of 2025, pending final clearances and completion of station infrastructure. Authorities believe this ropeway system will ease traffic congestion, reduce pollution, and offer a comfortable, scenic ride for locals and tourists alike.
Recent delays occurred due to construction issues and water seepage at one of the tower sites, but project officials are confident that these will not derail the overall timeline.
Speaking on the development, officials from the National Highway Logistics Management Limited (NHLML), which is overseeing the project, said,
“This is not just a transport solution—it is a technological and cultural landmark for India. Varanasi, one of the world’s oldest cities, is now leading the future of urban mobility.”
Blending ancient heritage with cutting-edge technology, the Varanasi Ropeway is more than a transport project—it’s a model for sustainable, efficient, and inclusive mobility that could inspire similar systems in other Indian cities.
