Varanasi Soars: India's First Urban Ropeway Takes Flight

The trial run of India’s first urban public transport ropeway recently commenced in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, marking a major milestone in the city’s public transport infrastructure.

Pulkit Garg, Vice President of the Varanasi Development Authority, highlighted key features of the 3.8-kilometer ropeway corridor, which includes five stations with spacious waiting areas and passenger-friendly amenities. Designed as an eco-friendly solution, the ropeway aims to offer a sustainable alternative for urban commuting.

Constructed at a cost of ₹815 crore, the project covers 15 years of operation and maintenance. The system comprises 148 gondolas capable of transporting nearly 100,000 passengers daily. Garg underscored the ropeway’s robust safety features, including three levels of rescue systems.

“The operation and maintenance over 15 years are included in the project cost. Everyone here is excited about this visionary project,” he said. “Large waiting and holding areas at all stations will ensure passenger comfort.”

The ropeway is being developed by National Highway Logistics Management Limited (NHLML), a subsidiary of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.

Garg appealed to citizens to use the facility responsibly, emphasizing, “This is entirely green infrastructure, and a very visionary project is coming to Varanasi.”

The initiative aligns with the Uttar Pradesh government’s 2023-24 budget priorities, which allocated ₹150 crore for developing ropeway services in Varanasi and other urban centers, underscoring the state’s commitment to sustainable urban mobility.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.