Varanasi: India marked a significant milestone in urban mobility as the trial run of the country’s first urban public transport ropeway began in Varanasi on Thursday.
Pulkit Garg, Vice President of the Varanasi Development Authority, shared details of the ambitious project, which spans a 3.8-kilometre corridor and features five modern stations. These stations are designed with spacious waiting areas and passenger-friendly amenities, aiming to provide a comfortable and efficient travel experience.
“This is a completely green infrastructure initiative,” Garg said. “The entire project, including 15 years of operation and maintenance, has been developed at a cost of ₹815 crore. Each of the five stations will offer various passenger facilities, including large holding areas.”
The ropeway will operate 148 gondolas and is expected to handle nearly one lakh passengers per day. It will also be equipped with a three-tiered rescue system to ensure passenger safety.
The project is being executed by the National Highways Logistics Management Limited (NHLML), a subsidiary of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.
“This is a visionary project for Varanasi,” Garg added. “I encourage everyone to use this new mode of transport responsibly.”
The ropeway initiative was prioritized in the 2023–24 Uttar Pradesh state budget, with a specific focus on enhancing rail and ropeway connectivity across the state. A provision of ₹150 crore was earmarked to support the development of ropeway systems in Varanasi and other urban centers, under the Yogi government’s push to strengthen urban infrastructure.
