Northern Railway, National Highway Logistic Management Limited (NHLML), and Varanasi Development Authority (VDA) have signed a memorandum of understanding to purchase land at Varanasi Junction (Cantt railway station) on lease, taking a step toward preparing the ground for beginning the over Rs 400 crore ropeway project for public transportation in Kashi.
VDA vice-chairman Isha Duhan said, “The first station of the ropeway project’s pilot phase will be constructed in a 3,000 sqmt area in the circulating area of Cantt railway station. Apart from it, three ropeway towers will also come up in the same circulating area. To take the required railway land by VDA on behalf of the UP government, a MoU has been signed between NR, NHLML and VDA on Monday.”
“As per this MoU,” she said, “VDA will complete the formalities of taking railway land on lease on prescribed format and fee. After it the railway will permit for using its land in Cantt railway stations circulating areas to establish the station of ropeway service and its three pillars.”
The National High Authority of India-owned NHLML has been contracted to carry out this project, and VDA is the main agency for the ropeway project. According to Duhan, the NHLML has floated the contract using a hybrid annuity model following a thorough analysis of the alignment of the ropeway project and the preparation of its feasibility assessment.
