Varanasi: Country’s first-ever urban public transport ropeway set to transform city travel

Varanasi, one of India’s oldest cities, is all set to get a modern transport makeover, as the country’s first urban public transport ropeway nears completion. With three of its five stations almost ready, trial runs are set to commence within a month, marking a significant milestone for the INR 650-crore project.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for this ropeway in March 2023. Its goals are to shorten commute times, relieve traffic, and offer an environmentally friendly way to get around the busy city.

Progress update

Key stations at Cantt, Vidyapeeth, and Rathyatra are reportedly almost finished, and the wire for the ropeway has already been laid over its supporting pillars. Trial runs are expected to continue roughly one and a half months to make sure all systems are operational prior to the official launch, according to Kaushalraj Sharma, Divisional Commissioner of Varanasi. It is anticipated that the project will be finished in six months, with the second phase—which includes more stations—being finished by May 2025.

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While construction preparations are under place at Godaulia station, Girijaghar station is already making great strides. Owing to space limitations, the Godaulia station will be three stories in height, with a shopping complex occupying the upper floors and the first floor devoted to passenger circulation. In order to improve passenger flow, the revised plan also adds two staircases, when the previous design called for four.

Both locals and visitors will benefit from the ropeway's ability to carry about 6,000 commuters per day once it is up and running. Covering some of Varanasi's most crowded areas, the system will help alleviate the city's notorious traffic issues while offering a more hygienic and tranquil substitute for traditional modes of transit.

The National Highway Logistics Management Limited (NHLML), the project executor, has confirmed that the infrastructure is nearly ready for trial runs.

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With this initiative, Varanasi will become India’s first city to implement a public transport ropeway, setting a precedent for urban mobility in the country. Beyond easing daily commutes, the project underscores a commitment to sustainable development and innovative infrastructure.

As the trial run will commence very soon, this ambitious project will transform the city’s transport landscape, and create a model for other urban centers across India.