India's first urban ropeway takes shape in Kashi, promising a quicker ride to the ghats
One of Varanasi's most ambitious mobility projects is steadily taking shape: the Kashi Ropeway, planned as India's first urban public-transport ropeway. Designed to connect the Cantt Railway Station area with Godowlia — close to the Kashi Vishwanath Dham and the riverfront ghats — the roughly 3.75-kilometre cable-car line aims to give both residents and visitors a smooth new way to move through the busy heart of the old city. The appeal is simple. The stretch between Cantt and Godowlia can crawl during peak hours, especially on festival days when the lanes fill with pilgrims. Gliding above the traffic, the ropeway is expected to cut that journey dramatically — from the better part of an hour down to roughly fifteen minutes — while easing pressure on the roads below. Reports through 2026 describe the project moving towards completion, with towers and stations coming up along the alignment. For travellers, it promises an easier, more comfortable approach to the ghats; for the city, a cleaner and more efficient transport option that fits Kashi's push to modernise while protecting its historic core. If it lives up to its promise, a short, scenic ride high above the rooftops of Banaras could become one of the most memorable ways to begin a visit to the ghats. Do check local updates for the latest on opening timelines before you plan a trip around it.
Compiled by HelloBanaras from public sources: · Chiku Cab — Varanasi Ropeway / Cable Car guide 2026