Kashi is set to introduce the world's third and India's first urban transport ropeway, following Bolivia's La Paz and Mexico, with operations likely to commence during Dev Diwali.

In its initial phase, Kashi residents will enjoy seamless travel from Varanasi Junction Cantt Railway Station to Rath Yatra in significantly reduced time.

Dev Diwali, scheduled for November 15 this year, marks the anticipated launch date.

The introduction of the City Ropeway is expected to alleviate traffic congestion in Varanasi. Equipment procurement, sourced from Switzerland for the ropeway's construction, is already underway.

The ropeway project, valued at Rs 8.07 billion, is being executed in Varanasi by the Swiss company Berthollet. Tourists visiting Varanasi during Dev Diwali will have the opportunity to explore the city via the ropeway.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is swiftly implementing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's ambitious plan, which aims to significantly mitigate Varanasi's traffic woes.

Officials confirmed on Thursday that station and tower installation for the ropeway's operation is progressing rapidly. A trial run of the ropeway is imminent.

"Gondola services will be available every one-and-a-half to two minutes, accommodating three thousand passengers per direction per hour, totaling six thousand passengers per hour in both directions. The journey from Cantt Railway Station to Godaulia will take approximately 16 minutes. With an estimated height of 45 to 50 meters, the ropeway will operate approximately 16 hours a day. Each trolley can accommodate around 10 passengers," officials stated.

Prakash Gaur, Chief Executive Officer of National Highway Logistics Private Limited (NHLML), noted the influx of tourists from across the globe during Dev Diwali. NHLML is dedicated to ensuring the commencement of ropeway operations by Dev Diwali, offering visitors to Kashi a pollution-free transportation option.

According to company officials, the anchor bolt has been installed at Vidyapeeth station. Furthermore, several acceleration and de-acceleration conveyors have been installed, with rope installation set to commence soon. Two towers have been erected from Varanasi Junction Railway Station to Rath Yatra, with work on an additional 16 towers progressing rapidly.

(Source: The Statesman)