Imagine travelling across Varanasi without getting stuck in its busy roads! A new transport project is set to make this possible, offering residents and tourists a bird's-eye view of the ancient city while cutting travel time significantly.

India's first public transport ropeway is being developed in Varanasi to connect Varanasi Cantt Railway Station with Godowlia Chowk. A road journey that can take around 45 minutes is expected to take just 15 to 16 minutes by ropeway.

As the project approaches its anticipated opening later this year, a content creator, Mehul Malviya, recently shared a video on Instagram, giving viewers a glimpse of the experience. 

A Ride Inspired by Kashi's Heritage

The ropeway cabins are designed to accommodate multiple passengers and can carry up to 10 people each. Their appearance also draws inspiration from the iconic Kashi Vishwanath Temple and the famous ghats of Varanasi.

The video captures the cabins moving smoothly over some of the city's busiest stretches. For commuters, this could mean spending less time navigating traffic and more time reaching their destinations. For visitors, it promises a completely different way to experience the city.

The video has also sparked conversations online. While many viewers welcomed the infrastructure upgrade, others shared suggestions about improving the city's appearance. Some felt that exploring Varanasi on foot would offer a more immersive experience.

Route, Stations and Project Cost

Developed at an estimated cost of ₹645 crore, the ropeway will cover approximately 4.2 kilometres. According to a report in The Economic Times, the project is planned to have around 220 cable cars, each with a capacity of 10 passengers.

The route will connect five stations:

Varanasi Cantt

Kashi Vidyapith

Rath Yatra

Girjaghar

Godowlia Chowk

The project involves Swiss company Bartholet Maschinenbau AG and Indian firm Vishwa Samudra Engineering Private Limited.

A New Way to Experience the Ancient City

Varanasi welcomes a large number of pilgrims and tourists throughout the year. Its crowded roads, especially around popular religious and tourist destinations, can make everyday travel challenging. The new ropeway is expected to provide an alternative to road transport, ease congestion and improve connectivity between important parts of the city.

Soon, navigating Varanasi may not mean crawling through traffic. It could mean enjoying the sights of Kashi from high above its bustling streets!