Kashi Ropeway Project: Key features of India’s first ropeway transport project, check here.

Varanasi: The Uttar Pradesh cabinet on November 26 approved a proposal of the Ayodhya Development Authority to set up a pilot corridor to link Varanasi Cantt to Godowlia via a ropeway system. 

According to report published in Times of India, a 3.85 km long route has been identified through GPS tracking and surveys, and the Varanasi Development Authority has now resumed the process of acquiring private land required for the project. 

The roue notifications of the ropeway and GPS coordinates have been notified, and final route permission per provisions in the Act has been granted. 

Reports have confirmed that the project will require 15,891 sqmt of land, out of which 14,054 sqmt will be utilised to construct five stations, and 1,837 sqm will be used to erect 30 towers. Let’s look at the few key aspects of the Kashi Ropeway project. 

The ropeway system will be designed to handle 3,000 passengers per hour per direction, and a mono-cable detachable gondola transit system will be set up. 

Up to 10 passengers will be allowed in a gondola, and five stations will be constructed. Varanasi Cantt, Kashi Vidyapeeth, RathYatra, Girja Ghar and Godowila Chowk – have been identified as a possible spots for stations. 

A speed of 21 kilometres per hour will be maintained, and it will take 16 minutes to cover the five stations. 

The project cost is estimated to be Rs. 483.63 crores, and tenders to start groundwork was floated by the development authority in May. 

The ropeway will offer last-mile connectivity to people visiting Varanasi and was suggested as the best solution for solving the public transportation-related issues within the congested parts of old Kashi. 

The Kashi Ropeway Project is likely to reduce pollution levels in the coming years.