Kashi Ropeway Project in Varanasi Nears Completion, Expected to Launch in August 2025 Varanasi: The Varanasi Development Authority has sped up shifting sewage, water pipelines, and underground electric cables to pave the way for the ropeway project between Girjaghar and Godowlia crossings in the city.
Kashi Ropeway Project in Varanasi Nears Completion
The Kashi Ropeway project in Varanasi is nearing completion, poised to become India’s first urban public transport ropeway. This innovative transit solution aims to alleviate traffic congestion and enhance connectivity in the city’s densely populated areas.
Initiated under the National Ropeways Development Programme, Parvatmala Pariyojana, the Kashi Ropeway is a ₹807 crore venture designed to span 3.75 kilometres, connecting Varanasi Cantonment Railway Station to Godowlia Chowk. The route includes five stations: Cantt, Vidyapeeth, Rath Yatra, Girja Ghar, and Godowlia.
The last station of the ropeway, which is being introduced as public transport for the first time in any city in India, will be constructed at Godowlia. National Highway Logistic Management Klimited, THE agency executing the project, said that the target is to complete the project in July or August, while a test run of gondolas with full load capacity will start by the end of March.
While the officials claim that the project is on track, the owners of a portion of the land acquired by VDA to build the last stations of the ropeway service at Godowlia have moved to the Supreme Court, claiming that the agency acquired their land without paying compensation. While the Apex court has stayed the construction works in this connection, Divisional Commissioner Kaushal Raj Sharma said that the SC stay is on a small portion of the land acquired for the project.
The testing being done at the height of 45 metres from the road surface is continuing, and by the end of March, the trial run of the gondola with a full load capacity of 700 kilograms will also start,” said NHLML officials on Thursday.
With the Maha Kumbh crowd over, the agency is now finding it able to engage heavy machines for civil works, while efforts are also on to expand the ongoing alignment test up to the originating site at Cantt Railway Station from Vudyapeeth.
The foundation laying of the ambitious RS 807 crore ropeway project was carried out by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 24, 2023. After Mexico and Bolivia, the world’s third – the country’s first – urban transport ropeway is aimed at shifting the load of over one lakh passengers, especially pilgrims and tourists, from the road to it.
Technical Specifications
Gondolas: The system will operate 153 gondolas, each with a capacity of 10 passengers, running at intervals of 1.5 to 2 minutes.
Capacity: Designed to handle up to 96,000 passengers daily, facilitating efficient movement across the city.
Operating Hours: The ropeway will function 16 hours a day, ensuring accessibility for both residents and tourists.
What is the ropeway pilot project in Varanasi?
The Ropeway will cover a distance of 3.75 km, linking Banaras Cantt Railway Station with Godwlia Chowk. The project is expected to cut travel time from 45-50 minutes to just 15 minutes, according to the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).
The ropeway will have 5 major stations – Varanasi Cantt, Kashi Vidyapith, Rath Yatra, Girja Ghar, and Godowlia. Hopefully, this will help locals and tourists escape the traffic congestion and discomfort faced while travelling from the railway station to the city centre.
Conclusion
In this article we discussed the Kashi Ropeway Project in Varanasi nears completion and is expected to launch in August 2025. The Kashi Ropeway project in Varanasi is nearing completion, poised to become India’s first urban public transport ropeway.
FAQs
1. Where does the Kashi Ropeway go?
The Kashi Ropeway project in Varanasi is nearing completion, poised to become India’s first urban public transport ropeway.
2. When will the Kashi Ropeway open?
The Kashi Ropeway is expected to open in May 2025.
3. What are the timings of the Kashi Ropeway?
The timings of the Kashi Ropeway have not been announced yet.
4. How safe is the Kashi Ropeway?
The Kashi Ropeway is being built with all the latest features.
5. What are the benefits of using the Kashi Ropeway?
The Kashi Ropeway will provide a convenient and scenic mode of transportation for pilgrims and tourists visiting Varanasi. It will also help to reduce traffic congestion in the city.
