Varanasi, one of India’s busiest pilgrimage destinations, is getting a modern aerial lift to ease traffic and boost tourism. The Kashi Ropeway Project – India’s first urban passenger ropeway – was conceived after a metro plan was shelved, inspired by the city’s cultural heritage and the need for greener transport. Officials say each station’s design reflects Lord Shiva and Kashi’s symbols such as the drum, trident, and conch. Built under the national Parvatmala Pariyojana, the project envisions an eco-friendly cable-car link between Varanasi Cantt and Godaulia, blending modern transit with the local “Kashi” identity.

Solving Traffic and Tourism Challenges

Varanasi’s narrow streets and heavy pilgrim traffic have long caused congestion and pollution. The ropeway aims to cut a 45–50 minute road journey down to about 15–16 minutes. It will run above crowded areas – from the Cantt Railway Station to the Godaulia/Dev Diwali area – providing a fast, pollution-free commute. Officials note it can shift over one lakh pilgrims and commuters per day off the roads. By offering a direct aerial route, the Varanasi Ropeway addresses both urban mobility and tourism needs.

“The government opted for a ropeway as a public-transport solution due to Kashi’s congestion,” an official explained.

Project Launch and Progress

The ropeway was officially launched on March 24, 2023, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone. Construction accelerated under the Uttar Pradesh government, and by mid-2024, three of the five stations were already complete. Trial runs of the 3.8-km system began in October 2025. Once fully operational, Varanasi will join cities like Mexico City and La Paz as pioneers of urban ropeway transit.

Stations and Route

The ropeway spans 3.75–3.85 km with five stations along its route. It starts above Varanasi Cantonment (Cantt) Station and ends near Godowlia close to Kashi Vishwanath Temple. The intermediate stops include Kashi Vidyapith, Rath Yatra, and Girja Ghar. Each station will have elevators, escalators, ramps, and waiting areas. The system will operate around 150–153 gondolas, each with 10 seats, running every 1–3 minutes at a height of 45–50 meters.

Pilgrims and tourists can look forward to fast, scenic rides offering panoramic views while bypassing crowded streets. The entire journey from Cantt Station to Godowlia will take roughly 16 minutes, providing a comfortable, air-conditioned, and accessible experience.

Passenger Cost and Booking

The Uttar Pradesh government has not yet announced fares or ticketing details. Unofficial estimates suggest ticket prices may range between ₹50–₹100 per ride, but no official fare has been confirmed yet. Booking procedures and ticket counters will be announced closer to the launch. Updates will be available through official Varanasi Smart City channels and government websites.

Benefits for Pilgrims and Tourists

For devotees and travelers, the Varanasi Ropeway will be a game-changer. It will offer a pollution-free, reliable connection to temple areas, making travel easier for the elderly and differently-abled. The system will help decongest Kashi Vishwanath Corridor and Dashashwamedh Ghat during peak pilgrim seasons. Capable of carrying nearly 100,000 people per day, the ropeway will also become a new tourist attraction itself, offering stunning aerial views of the holy city.

“Visitors can get a good, pollution-free transport facility through the ropeway ride,” a project official noted.

Timeline and Future Outlook

Originally targeted for late 2024, completion is now expected by end of 2025. With major civil work nearly complete and trial runs underway, the ropeway will soon redefine how people move through Kashi. It’s a major milestone under the Smart City Mission and will serve as a model for sustainable transport in other Indian pilgrimage centers.

Summary

The Varanasi Ropeway, also known as the Kashi Ropeway Project, is an ₹807–815 crore initiative connecting Cantt Station to Godowlia via five stations. Inspired by Lord Shiva’s symbols and designed to decongest city roads, it aims to carry up to 1 lakh passengers daily. Scheduled for full operation by late 2025, the project promises faster commutes, scenic views, and a major boost to Varanasi tourism. Ticket prices and booking details will be announced soon.

Keywords: Varanasi Ropeway, Kashi Ropeway Project, Varanasi tourism, Uttar Pradesh ropeway, Varanasi development, Kashi Vishwanath Corridor, Smart City Varanasi.