VARANASI, Nov. 5 -- The urban transport ropeway is likely to become operational from mid-December, after the safety protocol ends, officials said. The ropeway will cover 5.5-km and can carry 3,000 passengers in an hour in one direction. Project director of NHLML (National Highway Logistics Management Limited), the executing/implementing agency of the project, Pooja Mishra said, "Varanasi ropeway has five stations, including Varanasi Cantt, Vidyapeeth, Rathyatra, Girijaghar, Godaulia. Trial for operation or operational trial between these stations have been completed. Trial for safety protocols is still ongoing and will be completed soon." About the fare, she says, "One side fare from Cantt to Godaulia will be around Rs 50. If a travel pass is taken, it will cost around Rs 40. "Ticket and travel pass, both facilities will be available at the station itself," added Mishra, who avoided commenting on the exact date for its start. Purna Borah, vice-chairman, Varanasi Development Authority, stated that Varanasi is renowned worldwide for religion, spirituality, culture, and art. Keeping these attributes in mind, the identity of Varanasi is being incorporated into the designs of the ropeway stations and gondolas. The project will operate 148 trolley cars, with each trolley capable of accommodating 10 passengers. Plans are in place to operate the ropeway for approximately 16 hours daily. Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation of the ropeway in Varanasi in March 2023. Artwork has been done on the walls and facades of the ropeway stations so that the tourists get a feel of Varanasi's rich religious and cultural heritage. Symbols like the cow, the Ganga river, the Trishul, and the Damru have been carved out. Lord Buddha's spiritual legacy, Sarnath, where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon, has also been carved out at the stations. Images of the Ganga and Varanasi's historic ghats (riverfront steps) are also being etched onto the station walls. The carvings on Chunar sandstone being installed at the ropeway stations mirror the architectural style of Varanasi's ancient buildings, showcasing the city's rich heritage and craftsmanship. Five ropeway-Cantt Ropeway Station, Vidyapith Station, Rath Yatra Station, Girjaghar Station, and Godowlia ropeway stations have been done. Glimpses of Varanasi's unique traditions, handicrafts, spirituality, music, and religious heritage will be visible at all the stations....