Varanasi Ropeway to Temples

Varanasi, the spiritual capital of India, attracts millions of devotees every year who come to seek blessings in its ancient temples like Kashi Vishwanath, Sankat Mochan, Durga Mandir, and many others. However, the narrow lanes and heavy traffic often make it difficult for pilgrims to move easily from Varanasi Junction Railway Station to the temples. Moreover To solve this problem, the Varanasi Ropeway Project has been introduced – a modern, world-class transport system that connects the railway station to important parts of the city.

In Addition this ropeway is not only a blessing for devotees but also a huge step towards transforming Varanasi into a smart and comfortable pilgrim-friendly city. In this blog, let’s explore everything about the Varanasi Ropeway, In fact its benefits, routes, stations, and how it makes temple visits quicker and easier.

What is the Varanasi Ropeway Project?

The Varanasi Ropeway is one of India’s most ambitious urban transport projects. Whereas It is the country’s first public transport ropeway system, Moreover designed to reduce traffic congestion and provide hassle-free travel to pilgrims and tourists.

Length of Ropeway: Around 3.45 km in the first phase.
Total Towers: 30+ supporting towers across the route.
Cabins: Each cable car cabin can carry 8–10 passengers.
Capacity: About 4,000 passengers per hour in one direction.
Speed: Ropeway cabins run at an average speed of 13–15 km/h.
Travel Time: Just 15 minutes from Varanasi Junction to Godowlia (the gateway to Kashi Vishwanath Temple).

Who Built the Varanasi Ropeway?

The project is being executed by National Highways Logistics Management Limited (NHLML) in collaboration with Swiss and Indian ropeway technology companies.

Project Cost: Approximately ₹645 crore.
Technology Partner: Doppelmayr Garaventa Group (Austria) – a world leader in ropeway systems.
Construction Company: Indian infrastructure firms with international collaboration.
Completion Timeline: Expected to be operational by 2025.

Why is the Ropeway Important for Varanasi?

The Varanasi ropeway is not just a transport project—it is a lifeline for the city’s future. Known as the spiritual capital of India, Varanasi witnesses millions of tourists, pilgrims, and devotees every year. like Narrow lanes, heavy traffic, and crowded streets often make commuting a challenge, especially from Varanasi Junction (Cantt Railway Station) to the temples spread across the city. As well as This is where the ropeway plays a revolutionary role.

Eases Traffic Congestion
Varanasi is one of the busiest cities in Uttar Pradesh with constant jams on roads like Godowlia, Dashashwamedh, and Cantt areas. So The ropeway reduces road pressure by shifting a large share of passengers to an aerial route, making city roads freer and faster.
Faster Travel to Temples
Pilgrims arriving at the railway station often struggle to reach temples like Kashi Vishwanath, Sankat Mochan, Durga Mandir, and Tulsi Manas quickly due to traffic. Hence The ropeway cuts down travel time significantly, ensuring devotees reach temples without delays.
Boosts Tourism
Varanasi is one of the world’s oldest cities and a global spiritual hub. Also the ropeway adds a modern attraction, offering tourists an aerial view of the ghats, temples, and river Ganga, enhancing their overall travel experience.
Environment-Friendly Solution
With fewer vehicles needed for short-distance travel, the ropeway reduces carbon emissions, lowers pollution levels, and keeps the sacred city cleaner. On the other hand it supports sustainable tourism in one of India’s holiest cities.
Affordable & Time-Saving for Locals
For daily commuters, students, and workers, the ropeway is a blessing. Additionally, It saves money spent on auto-rickshaws and taxis while ensuring punctuality.
First-of-its-Kind Project in India
Varanasi ropeway is India’s first major public transport ropeway project, making the city a pioneer in modern transport solutions. Because of this it reflects the government’s vision of blending heritage with smart infrastructure.
Better Accessibility for the Elderly & Pilgrims
Elderly devotees and foreign pilgrims often face difficulty navigating the city’s crowded lanes. Therefore the ropeway provides them with a safe, comfortable, and hassle-free option.
Supports Local Economy
Faster transport encourages more visitors to temples, markets, and ghats, boosting local businesses, handicrafts, and hospitality services.

Ropeway Stations in Varanasi (Phase 1)

The first phase of the Varanasi Ropeway connects Varanasi Junction Railway Station to Godowlia, the heart of the temple area.

Station 1 – Varanasi Junction (Cantt Railway Station): Starting point, directly accessible for arriving tourists.
Station 2 – Kashi Vidyapith: Serving students and locals.
Station 3 – Rath Yatra: Major traffic intersection, linking roads to many temples.
Station 4 – Godowlia: Final station, walking distance to Kashi Vishwanath Temple and Dashashwamedh Ghat.

Varanasi Railway Station to Temples – Distances & Ropeway Route

Here’s how the ropeway helps you reach major temples from the railway station:

1. Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Distance from Varanasi Station by Road: ~5 km
By Ropeway: Take the ropeway from Cantt Station to Godowlia Stop (just 1 km walk to the temple).
Time Saved: Road – 40 minutes; Ropeway – 15 minutes.

2. Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple

Distance: ~7 km from station.
Route via Ropeway: Station → Godowlia → Auto/Taxi → Sankat Mochan (4 km from Godowlia).
Benefit: Ropeway avoids traffic up to Godowlia, reducing journey time by 30%.

3. Durga Kund Mandir

Distance: ~6 km from station.
Route via Ropeway: Station → Ropeway → Godowlia → 2 km local transport to Durga Mandir.

4. Tulsi Manas Mandir

Located near Durga Kund.
Distance: ~6.5 km from station.
Best Route: Use Ropeway to Godowlia, then short ride/auto.

5. Bharat Mata Mandir

Distance: ~3 km from station (not covered by ropeway directly).
Best reached by auto/taxi. Ropeway not required.

How Ropeway Benefits Pilgrims and Tourists

Seamless Railway to Temple Connectivity – Pilgrims arriving at Varanasi Junction can directly board the ropeway without facing city traffic.
Ideal for Elderly Devotees – No long walks through crowded lanes.
Unique Aerial Experience – Passengers enjoy panoramic views of the holy city.
Affordable Transport – Expected ticket price around ₹100–₹150, making it accessible for everyone.
Supports Religious Tourism – Boosts temple visits and spiritual experiences.

Varanasi Ropeway – Future Expansion Plans

Future phases are expected to connect Lanka (near BHU), Assi Ghat, and Sarnath, expanding convenience for both pilgrims and tourists.
More ropeway corridors may be introduced to reduce road pressure.

Impact on Varanasi’s Economy and Culture

Tourism Growth: Ropeway will attract more domestic and international tourists.
Local Businesses: Shops and hotels near ropeway stations will benefit.
Pilgrimage Ease: Elderly devotees can now visit temples with less difficulty.
Global Recognition: Varanasi will be known for blending tradition with modern technology.

FAQs About Varanasi Ropeway

Q1. When will the Varanasi Ropeway start?
It is expected to be operational by 2025.

Q2. How long does the ropeway ride take?
Just 15 minutes from Varanasi Junction to Godowlia.

Q3. What is the ticket price for the Varanasi Ropeway?
The expected fare is around ₹100–₹150 per person (final rates will be decided later).

Q4. Which temples are nearest to the ropeway stations?
The Kashi Vishwanath Temple and Annapurna Mandir are closest, within walking distance from Godowlia Station.

Q5. Who is building the Varanasi Ropeway?
The project is managed by NHLML with technology support from Doppelmayr Garaventa Group (Austria).

Conclusion

In Conclusion, The Varanasi Ropeway is a revolutionary project that will make temple visits faster, safer, and more comfortable. Pilgrims arriving at Varanasi Railway Station will soon be able to skip traffic and directly reach Kashi Vishwanath Temple and nearby ghats within minutes. Finally, With travel partners like Same Day Tours, Hence visitors can seamlessly combine the ropeway journey with guided temple visits, ensuring a hassle-free spiritual experience in the holy city.

Overall by combining spirituality with modern technology, and the ropeway is set to redefine the travel experience in India’s holiest city. For devotees and tourists alike, this will truly be a blessing – making their journey to the temples smooth, memorable, and divine.