India's First Urban Ropeway System Takes Shape in Varanasi

Varanasi, India (Urban Transport News): Varanasi, one of India's oldest and most revered cities, is on the verge of a transportation revolution with the construction of the nation's first urban ropeway system. This pioneering project, which is also the world's third public transport ropeway system, aims to provide a safe and efficient commuting experience for passengers.

Cutting-Edge Swiss Technology

The backbone of this innovative urban transportation endeavor lies in the cable cars imported from Switzerland. Crafted with precision and utilizing special materials, these cable cars offer passengers ultraviolet (UV) protection, shielding them from the harsh rays of the sun. Furthermore, the design incorporates reflective surfaces that minimize heat absorption, ensuring a comfortable journey even on scorching days.

Construction in Full Swing

The construction of the Varanasi ropeway system is advancing at a brisk pace. The project includes strategically placed stations at key locations such as Cantonment, Kashi Vidyapith, and Godaulia. The first phase of this groundbreaking initiative is slated for completion by March 2025, heralding a new era of transportation for both residents and visitors.

Passenger Comfort a Priority

Pooja Mishra, the Project Director at National Highway Logistic Private Limited, underlined that passengers traveling on the ropeway will be shielded from the intense sunlight. The ropeway's design places a strong emphasis on ventilation, guaranteeing a comfortable and pleasant experience for commuters. Once operational, it will significantly streamline travel between the Cantonment Railway Station, the iconic Vishwanath Temple, and the Dashashwamedh Ghat.

Technological Advancements

In December 2022, the National Highways Logistics Management Ltd (NHLML) awarded a contract worth Rs 807 crore (approximately US$1.6 million) to Vishwa Samudra Engineering Private Limited. This firm secured the technology and equipment supply from a Swiss company specializing in ropeway systems. The contract also encompasses 15 years of maintenance for the ropeway system post-commissioning.

Enhanced Connectivity and Reduced Travel Time

This urban ropeway system is poised to significantly reduce travel time between the Cantonment railway station and Godowalia Chowk, a notoriously congested stretch of the city, to a mere 17 minutes. Currently, the same distance can take over an hour during periods of heavy traffic.

Key Features and Capacity

The project's design envisions five stations along the ropeway route: Varanasi Cantonment, Vidya Peeth (Bharatmala Mandir), Rath Yatra, Girja Ghar, and Godowlia Chowk. Girja Ghar will serve as a technical station, exclusively for boarding and deboarding. A total of 30 towers will be erected for the ropeway, with varying heights ranging from 10 meters to 55 meters.

The NHLML will determine the ticket prices for ropeway users, and a ticketing policy will be formulated. This project aligns with the central government's plan to introduce similar ropeway projects in urban areas and tourist destinations across the country.

With a maximum capacity to transport 3,000 passengers per hour per direction (PPHPD) and a total operation time of 16 hours per day, the ropeway system is designed to carry approximately 96,000 passengers daily in both directions. The stretch will be serviced by around 153 gondolas or cabins, each with a capacity for 10 passengers.

This transformative project promises to not only ease congestion but also enhance connectivity and convenience for Varanasi's residents and tourists. As the ropeway system in Varanasi nears its completion, it signifies a significant leap forward in India's urban transportation infrastructure.

For more information and updates on this groundbreaking project, please stay tuned with Urban Transport News.