The sacred city of Varanasi has made history by launching India’s first urban ropeway project, marking a groundbreaking shift in the nation’s public transport landscape. This sky-high initiative promises to transform mobility in one of India’s oldest and most congested cities, offering residents, tourists, and pilgrims a fast, scenic, and efficient alternative to road travel.
Built at a cost of ₹815 Crore (approximately $98 million USD), the ropeway system is designed to reduce traffic chaos, enhance accessibility to key areas, and provide a futuristic mode of urban transport—especially crucial in a city where narrow lanes and dense crowds make daily commuting a challenge.
Key Highlights of the Varanasi Urban Ropeway
Corridor Length: 3.8 km
Stations: 5 major stops connecting core city locations
Gondolas/Cabins: 148
Daily Capacity: Up to 1 lakh (100,000) passengers
Maintenance & Operation: Covered for 15 years within the project budget
Modeled after successful ropeway systems in cities like La Paz, Bolivia, this aerial transport links Cantonment Railway Station to Godowlia Chowk, cutting down a road journey that usually takes over an hour to just minutes—while offering breathtaking views of the ancient city.
More than just public transport, the ropeway represents a strategic move toward eco-friendly, space-efficient urban mobility in heritage cities. By elevating travel above ground, it reduces carbon emissions, avoids land acquisition headaches, and preserves Varanasi’s historic structures and traditional pathways.
As the cable cars silently glide over rooftops, temples, and bustling streets, Varanasi—also known as Kashi—ushers in a new era, beautifully blending tradition with technology.
This is not just a ride — it’s India’s leap toward the skies.
