Varanasi ropeway fares set at Rs 50 from Cantonment to Godowlia, with smart pass option

The Varanasi Development Authority has finalised fares for the under-construction ropeway, setting Rs 50 for the full trip from Varanasi Cantonment railway station to Godowlia and lower fares for shorter rides. A smart pass will reduce regular commuter costs. Officials say travel time could drop to 15–16 minutes, with a 5 per cent annual fare rise from 1 April and a cloakroom service at the station.

The Varanasi administration has approved ticket prices for the ropeway now under construction. A full ride from Varanasi Cantonment railway station to Godowlia will cost Rs 50. Officials said the service is expected to cut travel time on this stretch. The planned end-to-end journey may take about 15-16 minutes by ropeway.

Varanasi Development Authority Vice-Chairman Purn Bora said fares will vary by distance between stations. Bora gave Vidyapeeth as an example of a short hop. Passengers going only up to Vidyapeeth station will pay Rs 10. Officials compared this with road travel, which can take 30-45 minutes, based on traffic.

Varanasi ropeway fare and smart pass rates

Bora said a smart pass option has been added for people who travel often. Under this plan, the Cantonment to Godowlia fare will be Rs 40. The Vidyapeeth to Rath Yatra fare will be Rs 8. Bora also said the ropeway fares will rise by 5 per cent each year from April 1.

Varanasi ropeway premium gondola fare for groups

Officials also fixed prices for group use through a premium gondola service. The fare is Rs 2,000 per trip for a premium gondola. Bora said groups or institutions that book in advance will pay Rs 1,200 per gondola per trip. These rates are separate from regular passenger tickets.

Varanasi ropeway cloakroom facility at Cantonment railway station

Bora said a cloakroom will be set up at the Cantonment railway station for outstation travellers. Ticket holders may keep luggage free for the first two hours. After that, baggage up to 15 kg will cost Rs 50 per hour. The facility is intended to support passengers using the ropeway.

With fares now settled, officials said the ropeway is aimed at easing movement between key points in Varanasi. The main trip between Cantonment and Godowlia is priced at Rs 50, with cheaper rates for shorter rides. The smart pass, annual 5 per cent hike from April 1, and group gondola prices are also set.

With inputs from PTI