Varanasi Set for India's First In-City Rope Car Service by 2026

Construction is underway for a trailblazing in-city rope car service in Varanasi, aimed to enhance infrastructure and ease pilgrim travel to the Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple. Expected to operate by May 2026, this Rs 800 crore project will accommodate increasing temple visitors with efficient and modern transportation.

In a move to modernize Varanasi's infrastructure, the city is set to introduce India's first in-city rope car service by 2026. Designed to facilitate pilgrims visiting the Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple, the project is a significant step toward improving public transport, especially given the city's dense urban environment.

Varanasi Divisional Commissioner S Rajalingam highlighted that the 4-km rope car service, costing Rs 800 crore, is a pioneering effort expected to significantly reduce travel time between the railway station and the temple to just 15-20 minutes. The system will also alleviate road congestion caused by the narrow streets of the city.

The initiative is part of a broader Rs 40,000 crore infrastructure development plan for Varanasi. With the temple now attracting up to 2 lakh visitors daily, the rope car aims to handle an estimated daily capacity of 1 lakh passengers, complementing improvements in the city's waterways and public transport infrastructure.

(With inputs from agencies.)