Anticipated impact and key takeaways Inland waterways The multi-modal terminal is anticipated to shift local passenger travel within the city away from single-occupancy private vehicles on congested urban roads and onto the Ganga River, as well as reducing intercity passenger and freight traffic from the congested national and state highways within the city to inland waterways. According to a study conducted by the World Bank, one litre of fuel can transport 105 tonne/km via inland water transport, compared to 85 tonne/km via rail and 24 tonne/km via road. Similarly, the carbon emissions per tonne-km are significantly lower for container vessels at 32-36 grams compared to road transport vehicles, which emit 51-91 grams.65 This redirection will not only reduce the travel time, but will provide a cost- effective and sustainable local solution to first- and last-mile journeys, as well as wider travel within and between cities. Cities located on riverbanks have recognized inland waterways as a promising sustainable first- and last- mile transportation option. This mode of transport offers advantages such as time and cost savings, decreased road congestion, and improved fuel and energy efficiency.Cable car ropeway system The implementation of a cable car system is set to enhance the efficiency of the existing transportation network, particularly improving the convenience and attractiveness of first- and last-mile travel. As revealed in discussions with the Varanasi Development Authority, the ropeway project is envisioned to have a capacity of carrying 2,500 people per hour per direction, totalling 5,000 people in both directions per hour. This capacity is expected to facilitate the transfer of approximately 80,000 people daily. Notably, this shift is anticipated to alleviate congestion and air pollution, particularly for short trips that currently account for nearly more than 60% of the city’s transportation as per studies carried out by Banaras Hindu University, mainly reliant on autorickshaws and two-wheelers.66 The cable car ropeway project holds potential as a solution to not only tackle congestion issues in Varanasi, but also to reduce air pollution, noise pollution and carbon emissions, all while strengthening first- and last-mile connections to the city’s central railway station and beyond. Alongside other initiatives, such as the Nagar Yojana project, which will see a new bus terminal and consolidation zone for freight transport in the city,67 the ropeway project could help to alleviate pressure on Varanasi’s road network and strengthen first- and last-mile connections across the city. Combatting Congestion: How Cities and Companies are Innovating First- and Last-Mile Transport 18

Combatting Congestion 2025