VARANASI, Sept. 29 -- India's first ropeway for urban transport, being developed in Varanasi, is equipped with cutting-edge safety mechanisms designed to withstand natural disasters such as strong winds, lightning and power outages. According to National Highways Logistics Management Limited (NHLML) project director Pooja Mishra and Varanasi Development Authority (VDA) vice chairman Pulkit Garg, the system ensures uninterrupted operation even during adverse conditions. Addressing a joint press conference at the VDA auditorium, the officials emphasised that this urban ropeway is technologically superior and significantly different from those typically used in hilly areas. They noted that fares will be kept affordable and that a comprehensive economic development model is being prepared. Commercial activities are also planned at each station to boost local engagement and revenue. The ropeway system is being built with high-standard safety equipment and will be monitored through a dedicated control room under construction. The opening and closing of gondolas (cabin cars) will be centrally controlled. In case of a power failure, generators will activate automatically. Additionally, an internal power supply backup has been arranged in case of generator malfunction. Each gondola is equipped with three types of propulsion systems to ensure it can reach the nearest station even during an emergency. In rare instances of mechanical failure, the gondolas can be accessed from above using cranes, which will be stationed at all ropeway terminals. A consultant engineer and a certified ropeway inspector will be appointed to oversee safety protocols. "The gondolas will not open from the inside once stopped, ensuring complete safety for passengers," said Mishra. She added that the system is also capable of night-time operation. Pulkit Garg informed that the tallest tower of the project, standing 160 feet high, has been constructed near the Suvidha Sari Centre in Sigra. The executing agency has been contracted to operate the ropeway for 15 years. He also outlined zoning regulations, noting that the ropeway corridor will be 16 meters wide, with an 8-meter no-construction buffer on either side. Buildings along the route will be restricted to a maximum height of 10 meters. Each gondola will be air-conditioned and fitted with heat protection features for passenger comfort. The 3.8-kilometre-long ropeway will connect Cantt Railway Station to Godaulia and is in its final stages of completion. The total project cost is estimated at Rs.815.58 crore. Three stations-Cantt Station, Kashi Vidyapeeth Station, and Rathyatra Station-have already been completed. Construction at Girijaghar Square and Godaulia Square is nearing completion. The project is expected to be inaugurated by the end of the year....