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Varanasi Ropeway Viral Video Debunked: Official Says Testing, Not Malfunction

A viral video showing a Varanasi ropeway cabin swaying has been officially clarified as part of a planned safety test, not a malfunction. Varanasi Divisional Commissioner S. Rajalingam stated the activity was testing emergency brake response and sway limits under strong winds, all within acceptable parameters. The ropeway, built to European safety codes, is undergoing rigorous testing by NHLML with international consultants providing safety certification. Officials have warned of action against those spreading misinformation and aim to complete the station by March to begin full trials.

Key Points: Varanasi Ropeway Viral Video Misleading, Official Clarifies

  • Viral video shows planned safety test
  • Officials confirm no malfunction or insecurity
  • Ropeway built to international safety standards
  • Action threatened against misinformation spreaders
  • Full trials to begin after station completion
2 min read

Varanasi ropeway video viral on social media out of context: Official

Officials confirm viral Varanasi ropeway video shows planned safety testing, not a malfunction. Action threatened against misinformation.

"The sway was under acceptable limits. Videos viral on social media are absolutely wrong. - S. Rajalingam"

Varanasi, January 6

The visuals related to the Varanasi ropeway being circulated on social media are being presented out of context and are creating confusion. An official asserted that this video has no connection to any kind of malfunction, insecurity, or failure.

On a viral video showing a ropeway cabin in Varanasi swinging like a pendulum, S. Rajalingam said, "A misleading tweet related to the ropeway has been going viral since morning. I would like to make it clear that phase 1 of ropeway - from Cantonment to Rath Yatra - has been completed. Testing has been going on for days. As part of testing, low testing is also done, and other safety-related parameters are also tested. As part of that, it is also tested at what angle it should sway in strong breeze when emergency brakes are applied. The sway was under acceptable limits. Videos viral on social media are absolutely wrong. Do not believe them."

The Varanasi ropeway system has been designed according to international standards, specifically European safety codes. Numerous rigorous and detailed safety tests are conducted before and during its operation. This trial, being conducted by NHLML, is part of a comprehensive and planned testing process to ensure passenger safety.

These tests include checking the system's safe operation under emergency braking, high wind pressure conditions, sensor activation, and all other possible scenarios. The activity shown in the video does not indicate any structural, mechanical, or operational deficiency, but rather is being done to ensure that the ropeway functions completely safely under all conditions and that passenger safety remains the highest priority.

Following the misleading reports on social media, Varanasi Divisional Commissioner S. Rajalingam and NHLML Project Director Pooja Mishra, along with the ropeway team, conducted an inspection.

He said that Australian and Spanish consulting companies will also provide safety certificates. The ropeway is being built entirely to international standards.

"Action will be taken against anyone spreading misinformation. The ropeway construction is progressing rapidly. As soon as the Godaulia terminal station is completed, trials will begin. We are making every effort to complete the station by March, after which the trials will be conducted," he concluded.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Priyanka N
As a Varanasi local, I'm excited for the ropeway! It will ease so much traffic near the ghats. But I have to say, the communication could be better. Why not put out an official video *before* testing that looks alarming, explaining what they're doing? Proactive info is better than reactive clarification.
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Rahul R
Typical! Anything positive for our cities gets twisted online. Foreign consultants, international standards... this is the kind of development we need. Hope it's ready soon! 🙏
S
Sarah B
I visited Varanasi last year and the congestion was unreal. A ropeway is a fantastic solution. Safety testing is crucial, especially in a city with such weather variations. The video without context was scary, but the explanation makes complete engineering sense.
K
Karthik V
Action against misinformation is good, but they must also ensure transparency. Publish the safety certificates from the Australian and Spanish companies publicly when received. Public trust is built on proof, not just statements.
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Meera T
Bhagwan ji ki nagari mein yeh naya prayog... hope it's safe for all the pilgrims. Testing is important, but final safety is everything. Jai Shri Ram! 🚡

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