Varanasi: The ancient city of Kashi is on track to become the third city in the world to operate an urban public transport ropeway, thanks to the efforts of the Modi-Yogi government. In a major step forward, a team of engineers from Austria is currently conducting critical safety and operational tests on the ropeway project’s first section, stretching from Cantt Ropeway Station to Rath Yatra Station.
The month-long testing began on July 14 and involves examining 90 gondolas for technical and safety parameters including motors, cables, control systems, speed regulation, and braking systems. The tests, known as commissioning, are being carried out by engineers from Austria’s renowned Leitner Company, under the supervision of National Highways Logistics Management Ltd.. Three gondolas are being run simultaneously to identify and fix any potential faults.
Officials say the first section of the project is expected to be completed by September, with safety certification being the final step before operation begins.
The ropeway aims to provide pollution-free transport to both locals and tourists. Once completed, the ropeway will operate 16 hours daily, ferrying passengers every 1.5 to 2 minutes between Cantt, Vidyapeeth, and Rath Yatra stations. A second section, from Rath Yatra to Godowlia, is also under construction.
Once fully operational, the system will handle 3,000 passengers per hour per direction—a total of 6,000 both ways. The total journey from Godowlia to Cantt Railway Station will take just 16 minutes, using approximately 148 trolley cars, each accommodating 10 passengers.
Officials affirm that the ropeway will not only ease traffic but also enhance the urban travel experience in Varanasi, further positioning the city as a model of modern urban transport.
