India’s First Urban Ropeway begins Trial Run in Varanasi, Set to carry 1 Lakh passengers daily

Varanasi, India (Urban Transport News): In a historic leap for urban mobility in India, trial runs have commenced for the country's first public transport ropeway system in the ancient city of Varanasi. The 3.8-km aerial corridor, featuring five strategically located stations, is set to redefine eco-friendly transport solutions in densely populated urban areas.

Developed at a total cost of ₹815 crore, including 15 years of operation and maintenance, the project is being implemented by National Highways Logistics Management Limited (NHLML), a subsidiary of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.

“This is entirely a green infrastructure project. The ropeway will enhance mobility in a sustainable way and reduce road congestion in Varanasi,” said Pulkit Garg, Vice President of the Varanasi Development Authority. “Five stations are being built with spacious waiting and holding areas along with passenger-friendly facilities.”

Project Highlights:

• Corridor Length: 3.8 km

• Stations: 5 (names to be announced)

• Total Project Cost: ₹815 crore (including 15 years O&M)

• Developer: NHLML (under Ministry of Road Transport and Highways)

• No. of Gondolas: 148

• Daily Capacity: ~1,00,000 passengers

• Safety Systems: 3-tier rescue and emergency mechanism

Each gondola is expected to provide seamless, congestion-free movement above the city’s bustling roads, offering an alternative to road-based public transport while supporting Varanasi’s growing population and influx of tourists.

“A very visionary project is coming to Varanasi. I appeal to all residents and tourists to use this service responsibly. It represents the future of sustainable urban mobility,” Garg added.

Eco-Friendly & High-Capacity Urban Transit

The ropeway’s green credentials make it a standout model in India's efforts to adopt climate-resilient transport infrastructure. With zero tailpipe emissions, lower land acquisition needs, and minimal disruption to ground traffic, the Varanasi ropeway could become a blueprint for similar projects in other Tier-1 and Tier-2 Indian cities.

“Projects like the Varanasi Ropeway represent India's shift toward sustainable, multi-modal urban transit. Ropeways can serve as viable alternatives to metro systems in cities with heritage zones, difficult terrain, or high pedestrian activity,” said Mrs. Mamta Shah, MD & CEO of Urban Infra Group. “It’s an innovation with scalability.”

As India’s first urban public ropeway, this project reflects the central government's push to modernize urban transport using non-traditional, high-impact solutions. Varanasi—a city with narrow roads and heritage constraints—was chosen strategically to demonstrate the viability of rope-propelled transport systems in crowded urban cores.

The system is expected to:

• Reduce vehicular congestion in central Varanasi

• Lower pollution levels

• Improve last-mile connectivity from bus stations and ghats

• Boost tourism with an elevated city view experience

Once fully operational, the ropeway will serve commuters, pilgrims, and tourists, improving accessibility to key destinations within the city.

The launch of India’s first urban ropeway trial in Varanasi is a landmark in smart, green transport planning. As the project nears full commissioning, it promises to offer a safe, efficient, and scenic mobility solution that blends modern engineering with the spiritual and historical essence of one of India’s oldest cities.