Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Jan 6: The Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting on Tuesday issued a fact check terming as “misleading” a video circulating on social media that showed a gondola swaying mid-air on the upcoming Varanasi Ropeway, with claims that the system was unsafe.

Although the ropeway is yet to be opened for public use, the video triggered concern among viewers who interpreted the swinging gondola as a sign of poor construction or design. Responding to the claims, the Press Information Bureau (PIB) clarified that the visuals were from routine testing and did not indicate any safety lapse.

“The swing observed in the video is part of the testing process to ensure compliance with safety norms,” the PIB said in its clarification. It added that the sway seen in the footage was well within permissible limits laid down under CEN standards and had been factored into the ropeway’s design from the outset.

The PIB also rejected allegations suggesting that the expenditure of over Rs 800 crore on the 3.85-km-long Varanasi Ropeway was wasted. Explaining the test procedure, the official statement said the gondolas were subjected to emergency braking during trials conducted by the original equipment manufacturer to assess maximum longitudinal sway within allowed limits.

According to the ministry, the observed swing is controlled and absorbed by a spring-loaded support mechanism in the gondola, ensuring that movement remains within limits prescribed under relevant codes and standards, including CEN and BIS norms.

The statement further noted that flexibility in the suspension system is a deliberate design feature. It is essential to handle dynamic operational forces such as wind loads, acceleration and deceleration during both normal operations and stoppages.

“The swing of the gondola does not point to any structural, mechanical or operational deficiency,” the PIB said, adding that such tests are conducted to ensure passenger safety under all operating conditions.

The Varanasi Ropeway is being developed to link the Varanasi Cantonment Railway Station with Godowlia, reducing travel time from around 45 minutes to approximately 15 minutes. The project is expected to be commissioned by May this year.