Centre Clarifies Viral Varanasi Ropeway Sway as Vital Safety Drill

New Delhi, January 8, 2026: A wave of apprehension was triggered across social media following the circulation of a viral video showing a gondola on the upcoming Varanasi Ropeway swinging vigorously mid-air. On January 6, 2026, the footage, which depicted a cabin swaying like a pendulum near the Cantonment station, led many netizens to question the structural integrity of India’s first urban ropeway project. However, the Union Government and the National Highways Logistics Management Limited (NHLML) were quick to flag the video as “misleading,” asserting that the dramatic movement was not a malfunction but a deliberate part of rigorous safety protocols.

PIB Fact Check: The Reality of Emergency Braking

The Press Information Bureau (PIB) Fact Check unit issued a formal clarification stating that the sway observed in the video was a planned result of emergency braking tests. It was explained by officials that these trials are conducted by the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) team to measure the maximum longitudinal sway of the cabins. By applying sudden brakes at high speeds, engineers ensure that the system remains stable and that the swaying remains within the permissible limits mandated by international CEN and BIS safety standards.

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Design Flexibility: A Built-In Safety Feature

Contrary to public fears that the swaying indicated a mechanical flaw, the government highlighted that flexibility in the suspension system is an intentional design choice. It was noted by the NHLML that the gondolas are equipped with spring-loaded support arrangements specifically designed to absorb dynamic forces such as wind loads and acceleration effects. This “pendulum-like” movement actually reduces stress on the structural components of the ropeway, ensuring that the system functions safely even during sudden operational stoppages or strong gusts of wind.

Rigorous Trials for India’s First Urban Ropeway

The Rs 815-crore project, which aims to cut travel time between Varanasi Cantonment and Godowlia from 45 minutes to just 15, is currently undergoing an extensive commissioning phase. Varanasi Divisional Commissioner S. Rajalingam confirmed that Phase 1 testing has been ongoing for several days, involving low-load tests and environmental simulations. It was further emphasized that international consulting firms from Spain and Australia have been engaged to provide the final safety certifications, ensuring the project meets the highest global benchmarks before it is opened to the public later this year.

Action Against Misinformation and Rumors

As of January 8, 2026, authorities have issued a stern warning against the spreading of out-of-context videos that create unnecessary panic. It was stated by the Varanasi administration that action will be taken against social media accounts found to be propagating false narratives about the project’s safety. The ropeway is expected to become fully operational by May 2026, providing a state-of-the-art, green mobility solution for one of India’s oldest and most congested cities. For now, the “swaying gondolas” stand as a testament to the rigorous trials happening behind the scenes to ensure every passenger’s journey is secure.