The new urban model - the Varanasi ropeway, entered the trial phase a few days back. The trial run commenced in Varanasi and will be conducted for the upcoming three months. The details regarding this were confirmed by the project director - Pooja Mishra of the National Highway Logistics Management Ltd (MHLML) on Monday. The project is worth Rs 807 crore.
It is anticipated that after the ropeway project will be started it will provide an alternate mode for transportation - reducing traffic congestion and increasing connectivity, as per the officials.
The Testing Phase -
During the first phase of the trail run, only one gondola will be tested on the stretch of approximately 3 kilometers - between Cantt and Rathyatra. Following a few days of success, two more gondolas will be added to the trail run.
According to Mishra, the complete project is expected to begin in August.
While explaining the reduction of time and distance, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) outlined that this ropeway will reduce the travel timing from 45-50 minutes to only 15 minutes. It will directly connect Banaras Cantt Railway Station with Godowlia Chown, totaling 3.75 kilometers.
The trolley cars will operate at a height of 45-50 meters. On average, around 150 trolley cars will operate, with up to 10 passengers per trolley, and will run for around 16 hours daily. Gondolas will operate after the interval of every 1.5 to 2 minutes to ensure the smooth travel of commuters.
As of now, the fair structure of the ropeway has not been finalized by the authorities; however, it is anticipated that the price will be affordable for commuters.
Facilities offered to the commuters -
Three stations have been constructed in Catt, Vidyapeeth, and Rathyatra, respectively, and all the modernized equipment, including automatic stairs, lifts, wheelchair ramps, parking areas, restrooms, and shops for food, beverages, and other items, have been installed at the stations.