Varanasi is all set to become India’s first city to start ropeway service as a public transport facility. The Chief Secretary of Uttar Pradesh, Durga Shankar Mishra, conducted a review meeting of the prestigious project in Lucknow on Tuesday.
The ropeway project will connect the area from Varanasi Cantt to Godaulia Chowk. It must be noted that Godaulia Chowk is one of the closest points to both Kashi Vishwanath temple and the famous ghats of Varanasi. Reviewing the progress of the project, Mishra told the state government officers that formalities for the project should be completed at the earliest and the work should commence by March 2023. The Divisional Commissioner of Varanasi has been nominated as the nodal officer for the project.
Addressing the officials, Mishra said that a new chapter of development is going to be added in the Prime Minister's parliamentary constituency. It is a moment of pride that Varanasi is going to become the first Indian city to start ropeway service as a public transport. Tourists and people coming to Varanasi from all over the world will now get the facility of a ropeway to travel from the congested Cantt station to Gaudaulia.
According to official sources, the project is one of the most prestigious projects in PM Modi’s parliamentary constituency. The 3.850 km long ropeway would be constructed from Varanasi Cantt Railway Station to Godaulia Chowk. Five stations - Varanasi Cantt, Vidyapeeth, Rath Yatra, Girija Ghar, Godaulia Chowk stations will be made in this. M/s Vishwa Samudra Engineering Private Limited has been selected for the construction of this project. This company will work together with Switzerland based company M/S Bartholet Maschinenbau AG.
Principal Secretary Housing Nitin Ramesh Gokarn was also present in the meeting, alongwith officials of various departments concerned. The Divisional Commissioner of Varanasi and officials of the implementing agencies were present via video conferencing.