PM to lay foundation for India’s first public transport ropeway in Kashi on March 24

After the construction of the ropeway, the path of devotees going to the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor would be easier; project worth ₹644.49 crore to take shape within two years

VARANASI Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lay the foundation stone for India’s first public transport ropeway in his parliamentary constituency, Varanasi, on March 24. The service will be operational from the Cantt Railway Station (Varanasi Junction) to the Godaulia intersection.

India would be the third country in the world after Bolivia and Mexico City to have a ropeway for public transport. (File Photo)

After the construction of the ropeway, the path of devotees going to the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor would be easier. This project worth ₹644.49 crore would take shape within two years, according to a press communique.

“In the first phase, the country’s first public transport ropeway will operate from Cantt to Godaulia in Kashi. When the project takes shape, pilgrims will be able to board the ropeway to reach Godaulia, Kashi Vishwanath Temple and Dashashwamedh Ghat. Through this service, they would not have to face traffic on the roads,” said Abhishek Goyal, vice-president, Varanasi Development Authority (VDA).

Anurag Tripathi, project director, National Highways Logistics Pvt Ltd said that India would be the third country in the world after Bolivia and Mexico City to have a ropeway for public transport.

Starting from the Varanasi Cantt station, there will be five stations till the Godaulia intersection. A ropeway station each will be built at Cantt Railway Station, Kashi Vidyapeeth, Rath Yatra, Church and Godaulia Intersection. The total distance of the ropeway is 3.8 kms, which will be covered in about 16 minutes, said the project director.

About 150 trolley cars (each with a capacity of 10 passengers) will run at a height of about 50 metres. They will be available to passengers every one and a half to two minutes.

Tripathi said all the stations will reflect the heritage and culture of Kashi.