Completion of India's First Urban Ropeway Project in Varanasi Approaches
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Synopsis
The first urban public transport ropeway in Varanasi is nearing trial completion, with three stations ready and trials beginning soon. The project, costing Rs 650 crore, aims to improve urban transport and is expected to be operational within six months, making history as India's first public transport ropeway.
Key Takeaways
- Inauguration of India's first urban ropeway.
- Three stations nearly ready for trial.
- Project cost estimated at Rs 650 crore.
- Expected to accommodate 6,000 commuters daily.
- Transformational impact on urban transport.
Varanasi, Jan 15 (NationPress) The inaugural urban public transport ropeway initiative in Uttar Pradesh's Varanasi is moving forward swiftly, with three of its five stations almost ready for testing. The cables have been successfully installed on the ropeway's pillars, and the stations at Cantt, Vidyapeeth, and Rathyatra are nearing completion. The trial period is scheduled to commence within a month and will span approximately 1.5 months, allowing for any final adjustments.
The ropeway project, a significant infrastructure development spearheaded by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, was inaugurated with the foundation stone laid in March 2023.
With a projected cost of Rs 650 crore, this initiative is a vision of the Prime Minister, aimed at enhancing urban mobility and offering an eco-friendly solution for the vibrant city of Varanasi.
Kaushalraj Sharma, the Divisional Commissioner of Varanasi, remarked, "The construction is nearly finished, but we need some more time. The trial will start within a month, and the complete project is expected to be ready in about six months."
The second phase of this ropeway project, which includes additional stations, is anticipated to be completed by May. Notable advancements have been achieved at the Girijaghar station, while work at Godaulia station is set to commence shortly.
Due to spatial limitations at Godaulia, the final station will be constructed at ground level, covering approximately 450 square meters. A three-story station will be established, with the first floor designated as the passenger platform and the upper levels accommodating a shopping complex.
Modifications have been made to the designs to facilitate a larger passenger capacity, with the system expected to accommodate around 6,000 commuters daily. The revised design includes two staircases for improved passenger flow, replacing the initial plan of four.
The NHLML (National Highway Logistics Management Limited), the contractor for this project, has confirmed that it has completed its tasks and is fully ready for the impending trial run.
With this initiative, Varanasi is set to become the first city in India to unveil a public transport ropeway, transforming the travel experience for both residents and visitors.
