Like a thread of light weaving through the sacred city, Varanasi’s first public ropeway promises to glide pilgrims and travelers swiftly across its bustling streets.
Varanasi’s First Ropeway Nears Launch
India’s 1st public transport ropeway in Varanasi is nearing operational readiness, with officials confirming that performance trials are in their final stages. The nearly 4km corridor will connect Cantt Railway Station (Varanasi Junction) to Godauliya, close to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, aiming to ease movement for the city’s growing number of pilgrims and tourists.
S. Rajalingam, the divisional commissioner of Varanasi, stated that the project had “almost reached the finishing stage,” adding that full load tests would commence shortly. While informing a group of visiting journalists from Tamil Nadu, he said that “The ropeway will be commissioned before May”. Speed trials are currently underway, marking one of the last key steps before public access.
Varanasi Ropeway Set to Transform Pilgrim Transit
With an estimated cost of ₹800 crores, the ropeway will feature cable cards that accommodates 10 passengers each. Offering a faster and more convenient option for commuters and visitors, it will reduce the travel time between the railway station and Godauliya to just 15 minutes.
Rajalingam highlighted that the budget covers 15 years of operations and maintenance.
With safety being the top priority, the system is compliant with European CEN standards and includes features such as vertical evacuation to ensure passenger security. Authorities decided on a ropeway after technical studies revealed that the soil conditions were unsuitable for metro construction, making this an ideal alternative for Varanasi’s unique geography.
Since the year 2014, the “City of Lights” has seen over ₹60,000 crores invested in infrastructure upgrades, spanning road, rail, waterway, and airport development. The ropeway is poised to complement these enhancements, providing a modern, efficient transport solution while supporting the city’s status as a key pilgrimage and tourism hub.
Suspended above the sacred ghats, the ropeway will carry stories, footsteps, and devotion, connecting hearts and horizons in the timeless city of Varanasi — and it remains to be seen how residents embrace it and what tangible benefits it will bring to the city’s daily life and tourism.
Summary
Varanasi’s first public transport ropeway, spanning nearly 4 km from Cantt Railway Station to Godauliya, is nearing operational readiness. Built at ₹800 crores with 10-passenger cable cars, it will cut travel time to 15 minutes. Safety follows European standards, with full load tests underway. The project complements the city’s broader ₹60,000 crore infrastructure upgrades and will serve pilgrims and tourists alike.
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