India's first urban ropeway in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, is scheduled to be completed by August 2024, offering a unique aerial perspective of the city while also reducing travel time. Officially inaugurated on March 24, 2022, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi as part of the 'Pravatmala Pariyojana' National Ropeways Development Programme, this project is advancing rapidly. Phase 1 of the ropeway is estimated to cost Rs 6.45 billion and is expected to be finished by 2025. Substantial progress has been made in implementing the initial phases of public transportation. The 3.7-kilometer ropeway will traverse through five significant locations: Girja Ghar, Godowlia Chowk, Rath Yatra, Kashi Vidyapith (Bharatmala Mandir), Varanasi Railway Station, and Varanasi Cantonment. The project will drastically reduce travel time from Varanasi Junction to Godowlia to just 16 minutes. With approximately 150 gondolas accommodating ten passengers each, the ropeway can serve up to 6,000 passengers per hour. Gondolas will arrive at each of the four stations every two to three minutes, ensuring a smooth and efficient commuting experience. (Source: ET Infra)