The Varanasi Ropeway, also known as the Kashi Ropeway or Benaras Ropeway, is India’s first urban public transport ropeway system. It is being built to reduce heavy traffic in the sacred city of Kashi and to provide fast, eco-friendly transport for devotees, tourists, and locals. The project not only connects major points across the city but also offers an incredible aerial view of the Ganga River, Kashi Vishwanath Temple, and the heritage lanes of Benaras.
🚡 1. Project Overview
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Project Name | Kashi / Varanasi / Benaras Ropeway |
| City Name Variants | Kashi (Spiritual Name), Benaras (Traditional Name), Varanasi (Official Name) |
| Type | Urban Public Transport Ropeway |
| Total Distance | 3.75 kilometers |
| Number of Stations | 5 Stations |
| Height Range | 10 to 55 meters |
| Cabin Capacity | 10 passengers per gondola |
| Total Cabins | 148 gondolas |
| Daily Passenger Capacity | Up to 96,000 passengers |
| Total Project Cost | ₹807 Crore |
| Expected Launch | August 2025 |
| Construction Model | Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM) |
| Construction Companies | Vishwa Samudra Engineering (India) & Bartholet AG (Switzerland) |
📍 2. Ropeway Route & Stations
The Kashi–Varanasi Ropeway stretches 3.75 km across the city, connecting five important urban and pilgrimage points.
Stations List:
- Varanasi Cantonment (Cantt)
- Kashi Vidyapith
- Rath Yatra
- Girja Ghar (Church)
- Godowlia Chowk
➡️ Route Overview:
Varanasi Cantt → Kashi Vidyapith → Rath Yatra → Girja Ghar → Godowlia Chowk
This aerial route connects the railway station zone (Cantt) with the core area of Kashi Vishwanath Temple, allowing both locals and pilgrims to travel comfortably without facing road congestion.
🎫 3. Ticket Price & Booking Information
| Ticket Type | Estimated Fare |
|---|---|
| One-Way Ticket | ₹150 – ₹200 |
| Round Trip (Two-Way) | ₹250 – ₹300 |
| Children / Senior Citizens | ₹100 – ₹150 (discounted) |
Booking Options:
-
Online Booking:
- Official Website: https://kashi.gov.in
- Payments via UPI, Credit/Debit Cards, or Wallets.
- E-ticket QR code generated after booking.
-
Offline Booking:
- Ticket counters available at Cantonment, Vidyapith, and Godowlia stations.
- Accepts cash and digital payments.
⏰ 4. Timings & Schedule
| Description | Time |
|---|---|
| Opening Time | 6:00 AM |
| Closing Time | 10:00 PM |
| Journey Duration (One Way) | 15–16 minutes |
| Cabin Frequency | Every 15–20 seconds |
⚙️ 5. Technical & Design Features
- Developed as per European EN 1709 Safety Standards.
- Fully electric-powered and eco-friendly operation.
- Backup power supply ensures continuous operation.
- Each gondola equipped with CCTV, emergency alarms, and intercoms.
- Strong aerodynamic design suitable for all weather conditions.
- Offers clear HD panoramic views of the city, temples, and river.
🌇 6. Key Benefits
- Significantly reduces road traffic in narrow Benaras streets.
- Makes temple visits easier and faster for pilgrims.
- Promotes green transport and reduces pollution.
- Boosts tourism and modern infrastructure in Kashi.
- Provides a memorable aerial sightseeing experience of the sacred city.
🖼️ 7. Official Image Sources
- Varanasi Ropeway Trial Run – Hindustan Times
- Kashi Ropeway Project Details – PIB India
- Kashi Ropeway Construction Update – Varanasi Guru
❓ 8. Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)
Q1. What is the total distance of the Kashi / Benaras Ropeway?
A: The ropeway covers 3.75 kilometers connecting five key stations.
Q2. What is the height of the ropeway towers?
A: The towers range between 10 to 55 meters high.
Q3. What is the ticket price for the Varanasi Ropeway?
A: The one-way ticket is ₹150–₹200 and round-trip ₹250–₹300.
Q4. Where can I book tickets?
A: You can book online through https://kashi.gov.in or offline at the station counters.
Q5. What are the ropeway operating hours?
A: The service runs daily from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
Q6. How long does it take to travel one way?
A: Around 15–16 minutes from Cantt to Godowlia.
Q7. When will the Kashi Ropeway open to the public?
A: The ropeway is expected to open for public use by August 2025.
🌟 Effect & Impact
The Kashi–Varanasi–Benaras Ropeway marks a major milestone in India’s modern transport evolution. It will reduce city traffic by over 60%, make pilgrim travel faster, and offer a clean, eco-friendly mode of mobility. Beyond transport, it will become a tourist attraction — providing breathtaking views of the Ganga Ghats, Kashi Vishwanath Temple, and the ancient skyline of Benaras.
It symbolizes how India is blending innovation with tradition — bringing the divine city of Kashi closer to the skies.