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Experience seamless urban mobility: India’s inaugural public ropeway began its trial run in Varanasi, connecting Cantt Station to Godowlia. Faster, greener, transformative.
India’s First Urban Ropeway in Varanasi Commences Trial Run
A Pioneering Leap in Urban Mobility
Varanasi, one of India’s oldest and most vibrant cities, is now at the forefront of urban transit innovation. India’s first-ever urban public transport ropeway—the Kashi Ropeway—has initiated its trial run, ushering in a new era of efficient, eco-friendly mobility within the historic city.
This ambitious project stretches approximately 3.75 kilometers, linking the Banaras Cantonment Railway Station to Godowlia Chowk, with intermediate stations at Kashi Vidyapith, Rathyatra, and Girja Ghar.
Transforming Commutes—Speed, Convenience, and Coverage
Currently, a single gondola is undergoing testing on the initial stretch between Cantt and Rathyatra, with more units expected to be commissioned in the coming weeks.
Once fully operational, the ropeway is projected to reduce travel time significantly—from 45–50 minutes down to just 15 minutes, offering a faster, more reliable alternative to road transport.
Infrastructure & Capacity—Modern and Inclusive
The project includes five stations, with three already fully constructed and operationally equipped with lifts, escalators, wheelchair ramps, restrooms, parking, and retail space.
With approximately 150 trolley cars, each accommodating up to 10 passengers, and arriving at intervals of 1.5 to 2 minutes, the ropeway ensures a smooth, continuous transit experience. It is planned to operate for 16 hours daily.
Engineered with international safety norms and near-completion equipment at stations, the infrastructure test phase—conducted earlier in the year—has already seen successful trial runs between January and April 2025, under the supervision of Austrian experts.
Cost, Timeline, and Broader Impact
Budget estimates for the Kashi Ropeway vary slightly across sources—from INR 650 crore to INR 807 crore—reflecting different project phases or updated valuations.
With trial runs now underway, full-scale operations are expected to begin by August 2025, or potentially by May 2025 as per some projections.
Once operational, the ropeway is expected to accommodate up to 96,000 passengers per day, with a capacity of 3,000 passengers per hour per direction, making it a high-capacity transit solution.
A New Benchmark for Sustainable Urban Transport
Beyond serving as a functional transit route, the Kashi Ropeway stands out as India’s first urban ropeway—and only the third such system in the world, following systems in Bolivia and Mexico.
Positioned as a model for urban mobility, it offers an eco-friendly transit alternative that can be replicated in other congested cities nationwide. The project aligns with India’s broader Parvatmala Scheme, which aims to develop over 200 new ropeway projects by 2030, enhancing accessibility and ease of movement across
India’s first urban ropeway—spanning 3.75 km and connecting Cantt Station to Godowlia—has commenced trial operations in Varanasi. This iconic project promises faster and greener urban transport, reducing travel times, enhancing commuter experience, and setting a benchmark for urban mobility across India. As trials continue and full operation nears, Varanasi is poised to lead a transformative journey in sustainable city travel.
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