In a historic first for India, the city of Varanasi has launched a public transport ropeway, a groundbreaking infrastructure project aimed at alleviating traffic and boosting tourism in the ancient city. The project, which has been under construction since its foundation stone was laid by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in March 2023, is set to be operational by late August or September 2025.
The ₹807 crore ropeway spans a distance of 3.75 km, connecting the bustling Varanasi Cantonment railway station to Godowlia Chowk, a major hub for pilgrims and tourists. The urban ropeway will be the third of its kind in the world, following similar systems in Bolivia and Mexico.
With five stations along its route, the ropeway is designed to carry up to 3,000 passengers per hour, per direction. It will feature 153 gondola cabins, each with a capacity of 10 people. This innovative system is expected to reduce a journey that typically takes 45 to 60 minutes by road to just a scenic 16-minute aerial trip.
The project is a collaborative effort between the central and state governments, with the National Highway Logistics Management Ltd (NHLML) overseeing its execution. Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, has been a key proponent of ropeways and cable cars as a solution for urban transport, citing their eco-friendly nature and ability to bypass congested roads.
As trial runs are underway and final touches are being put in place, the ropeway is poised to transform daily life in Varanasi. It not only offers a modern and efficient mode of transportation but also promises a new perspective on one of the world’s oldest living cities, providing a smooth and pollution-free journey for millions of devotees and visitors.
