The Uttar Pradesh government has finalized the fare structure for the Varanasi Ropeway project, paving the way for affordable and modern urban transportation in one of the country’s busiest pilgrimage and tourist cities.
Varanasi Ropeway Fare Structure Finalized
According to the notified fare rates, passengers will pay a minimum fare of ₹10 and a maximum fare of ₹50 depending on the distance travelled. The full journey from Varanasi Cantt Station to Godowlia Chowk will cost ₹50, while shorter routes such as Vidyapeeth to Rath Yatra will be available for just ₹10.
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Authorities have also announced special concessions for regular commuters through the ‘Kashi Smart Pass’. Pass holders will receive a 20 percent discount on ticket prices. Under this scheme, travel from Cantt to Godowlia will cost ₹40, while the Vidyapeeth–Rath Yatra route will be available for ₹8.
Travel Between Cantt and Godowlia to Cost ₹50
Officials stated that the fare structure has been designed to encourage public transport usage while ensuring affordability for local residents, students, office-goers, and tourists. The government has also provided for an annual fare revision of up to 5 percent from April 1 each year.
Additional passenger facilities will be available at the ropeway stations. A clock room facility at the Varanasi Cantt station will allow ticket holders to store luggage free of charge for the first two hours. After that period, a fee of ₹50 per hour will be charged for luggage weighing up to 15 kilograms.
To cater to tourists and group travellers, a premium gondola service has also been introduced. The premium gondola will be available at ₹2,000 per trip, while advance bookings by institutions or groups will be charged ₹1,200 per gondola per journey.
The Varanasi Ropeway is being developed as India’s first urban public transport ropeway project. The approximately 3.75-kilometre corridor will connect Cantt Railway Station with Godowlia, passing through key commercial and residential areas of the city.
Once operational, the ropeway is expected to significantly reduce travel time between Cantt and Godowlia. A journey that currently takes 30 to 45 minutes by road is projected to be completed in around 15 to 16 minutes through the ropeway system.
Officials believe the project will help ease traffic congestion in the city’s crowded core areas, improve connectivity for residents and visitors, and contribute to environmental sustainability by reducing vehicular emissions. The ropeway is expected to emerge as a major addition to Varanasi’s urban transport infrastructure while supporting tourism and daily mobility.