Varanasi is set to introduce India's first urban public transport ropeway, which will create a revolution in how people move in the holy city and provide a quick and convenient option for pilgrims and tourists to reach key religious sites. The Kashi Ropeway is intended to alleviate traffic jams in certain of the busiest regions of Varanasi and to connect the Kashi Vishwanath temple area to the rest of the city.
According to News18 reports, the ropeway will span around 3.75 km from Varanasi Cantonment Railway Station to Godowlia Chowk, one of the busiest intersections in the city, according to reports.
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On the way, there will be Kashi Vidyapith and Rath Yatra and Girja Ghar station which will establish a direct link between the important transit and pilgrimage centres.
Ropeway to reduce time
The ropeway is anticipated to cut down the travelling time considerably. The service is expected to reduce the commutes to about 16 minutes, an improvement from the time that the trip may take due to traffic.Once the service is in operation, officials estimate a trip that could take a longer time can now be completed in about 16 minutes. The system will provide an environmentally-friendly alternative to road transport and is projected to transport thousands of commuters and visitors each day.
Modern gondolas for commuters
It has over 150 gondola cabins, with each accommodating over 10 people. Gondolas are anticipated to arrive at regular intervals, allowing for a seamless and efficient journey for the riders. The ropeway is expected to provide relief to the small roads in Varanasi, particularly during the peak times of pilgrimage.
Rates for commuters
Although the final fare structure is not yet official, there are reports that ticket prices will be in the range of ₹50 to ₹100 per passenger, making it accessible to both locals and visitors. Some have extrapolated it to be a little higher, but it is expected that authorities will confirm the price closer to the launch date. However, the final fare structure is yet to be officially announced by the authorities, as said by News18.
The ropeway will help to make the area round the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor more accessible, as it is one of the most visited religious places in the country. The project is seen as a significant move towards upgrading urban transport infrastructure and safeguarding the city's cultural and spiritual values.
The Kashi Ropeway, once it is up and running, will be a landmark infrastructure project and a model for other cities in India for the same technology.
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FAQs
Q1. What is the route of the Varanasi Ropeway?
The ropeway will connect Varanasi Cantonment Railway Station and Godowlia, with stations at Kashi Vidyapith, Rath Yatra and Girja Ghar.
Q2. What is the expected ticket price?
The fare is expected to be between ₹50 and ₹100 per passenger, though official pricing is yet to be announced.
