India’s first urban ropeway
Picture Credit: Amar Ujala

Varanasi’s Skyway: India’s First Urban Ropeway

Published on March 27, 2025
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2 Min read time

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India’s first urban ropeway has begun its trial run in Varanasi, bringing a revolutionary change to the city’s transport system. This ambitious project is set to make commuting easier, faster, and more efficient for both residents and tourists. But what makes this ropeway so special? Let’s take a closer look!

India’s first urban ropeway
Picture Credit: Amar Ujala

Flying Over Traffic

Imagine flying over the busy streets of Varanasi, skipping traffic, and reaching your destination in just a few minutes. That is exactly what India’s first urban ropeway promises! The project aims to reduce congestion and provide an alternative to traditional road transport.

The ropeway will cover a total distance of 3.75 km, connecting Banaras Cantt Railway Station to Godowlia Chowk. What normally takes 45-50 minutes by road will now take just 15 minutes!

Testing in Progress

The trial run for India’s first urban ropeway started recently and will continue for three months. Currently, only one gondola (cabin) is being tested on the 3-km stretch between Cantt and Rathyatra. More gondolas will be added soon, and if everything goes as planned, full-scale operations will begin in August 2025.

Where Will It Stop?

The ropeway in the initial phases will have a total of five stations:

  1. Banaras Cantt Railway Station
  2. Vidyapeeth
  3. Rathyatra
  4. Girja Ghar
  5. Godowlia Chowk (Near Kashi Vishwanath Temple)

Each station is equipped with automatic stairs, lifts, wheelchair ramps, restrooms, parking areas, and food courts to ensure a comfortable experience for passengers.

How It Works

India’s first urban ropeway will operate like a mini-metro but in the air! Instead of large metro coaches, there will be small cabins (gondolas) available throughout the day.

  • 153 cabins will be available
  • Each cabin will carry 10 passengers
  • Cabins will arrive every 10-15 seconds
  • Travel speed: 20-25 km/hour
  • Ropeway height: 45-50 meters above ground

With a capacity of one lakh passengers per day, this will be one of the most efficient transport systems in India!

Why Does Varanasi Need This?

Varanasi is one of India’s most crowded cities, with millions of tourists and pilgrims visiting every year. The narrow lanes often make road travel slow and difficult.

India’s first urban ropeway will help pilgrims skip the crowded streets and reach Kashi Vishwanath Temple directly from the railway station in just 15 minutes. This means less traffic, less pollution, and more convenience for everyone!

What’s Next?

  • After the alignment testing, load testing will begin.
  • Work on Girja Ghar and Godowlia Chowk stations will speed up.
  • The project is expected to be fully operational by the end of 2025.

India’s first urban ropeway is set to become a model for other cities looking for modern and sustainable transport solutions. It’s not just about travel; it’s about transforming how people experience cities.

A New Era in City Travel

India’s first urban ropeway in Varanasi is a historic step forward in urban transportation. It will make travel faster, easier, and more enjoyable for everyone. So, the next time you visit Varanasi, don’t forget to take a ride on this amazing aerial transport system!

Authored by, Amay Mathur | Senior Editor

Amay Mathur is a business news reporter at Chegg.com. He previously worked for PCMag, Business Insider, The Messenger, and ZDNET as a reporter and copyeditor. His areas of coverage encompass tech, business, strategy, finance, and even space. He is a Columbia University graduate.

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