India’s First Urban Ropeway: Trial Run Begins in Varanasi

Varanasi, a city in Uttar Pradesh, has launched the trial run of India’s first urban ropeway system. Unlike conventional ropeways primarily used in hilly regions, this project aims to ease urban transportation challenges. Officials plan to conduct trial operations for three months before making it operational. If successful, the ropeway is expected to serve as an alternative to road transport, reducing congestion and improving connectivity across the city.

National Highways Logistics Management Limited (NHLML) Project Director Pooja Mishra stated that the initiative is a ₹807 crore project. “This will not only enhance urban transportation but also help in decongesting traffic,” she said. The current trial run is operating a gondola (ropeway cabin) over a 3.75-kilometer stretch between Cantt and Rath Yatra areas, enabling passengers to reach their destination within 15 minutes. She also mentioned plans to introduce more gondolas in the coming days as part of the extended trial.

To facilitate ropeway transportation, stations have already been constructed at Cantt, Vidyapeeth, and Rath Yatra. These stations will be equipped with escalators, lifts, wheelchair ramps, restrooms, parking areas, food courts, cafés, and shops to provide convenience for commuters.

As part of this urban ropeway system, 150 trolley cars will be deployed, suspended 45 to 50 meters above the ground on sturdy cables. Each trolley car can accommodate up to 10 passengers, and the system is designed to operate for 16 hours a day.