India’s First Urban Public Transport Ropeway Trial Commences in Varanasi.

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

Pulkit Garg, Vice President of the Varanasi Development Authority, outlined key features of the 3.8-kilometer ropeway corridor, which includes five stations equipped with spacious waiting areas and passenger-friendly facilities. Designed as an eco-friendly project, the ropeway aims to provide a green alternative to urban commuting.

Built at a cost of ₹815 crore, the project includes 15 years of operation and maintenance. The system will feature 148 gondolas with the capacity to carry nearly one lakh passengers daily. Garg emphasized the safety features, noting the inclusion of three levels of rescue systems.

“The operation and maintenance for 15 years are part of the project cost. Everyone here is very excited about this visionary project,” he said. “Large waiting and holding areas are being constructed at all stations to ensure passenger comfort.”

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

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

The project aligns with the Uttar Pradesh government’s 2023-24 budget priorities, which emphasized enhancing rail and ropeway connectivity across the state. A budget provision of ₹150 crore was allocated to develop ropeway services in Varanasi and other urban centers, reflecting the government’s focus on sustainable urban infrastructure development.