Varanasi Ropeway Project: Three Of Five Stations Completed, Trials To Begin Soon For 150 Trolleys To Operate

Construction of three stations for India’s first public transport ropeway in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, has been completed, with trial runs expected to commence within a month.

The ropeway, a Rs 650 crore project described as Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s dream initiative, aims to revolutionise urban mobility in the ancient city.

The completed stations—Cantt, Vidyapeeth, and Rath Yatra—mark significant progress in the five-station project.

According to Divisional Commissioner Koshalraj Sharma, “The work of three stations in the ropeway has been completed. Looking at the current pace of work, it seems that this work may go on for another three to four months. But, we hope that we will complete this work in the stipulated time.”

Prime Minister Modi laid the foundation stone for the project on 23 March 2023. The ropeway, being constructed by a Swiss company, is designed to carry 3,000 passengers per hour in one direction, totalling 6,000 passengers per hour in both directions.

With an estimated height of 45 to 50 metres, approximately 150 trolley cars will operate, each accommodating up to 10 passengers.

Passengers will be able to board a gondola every one and a half to two minutes, making the service highly efficient. The 16-minute journey from Godaulia to Cantt railway station will offer a swift alternative to road transport, alleviating congestion in the city’s narrow streets.

“We had already laid down the entire roadmap towards completing this work in the stipulated time, according to which the work is being done at present. Apart from this, some other works are still left, which will be started within a month,” Sharma added.

The ropeway service will operate for 16 hours daily, providing a reliable and consistent transit option for residents and tourists alike. The remaining two stations are under construction, and officials anticipate that the entire project will be ready within the coming months.