Pilgrimage To Kedarnath To Get Easier: Adani Group’s Ropeway To Cut 9-Hour Trek

The Adani Group is constructing a 12.9 km ropeway from Sonprayag to Kedarnath, aiming to transform the arduous trek into a safe and accessible journey for pilgrims.

Announcing the project on social media platform X, Chairman Gautam Adani said the ropeway would make the sacred journey easier and more comfortable for lakhs of devotees who visit Kedarnath each year.

Taking to X, Gautam Adani posted, “The difficult climb to Kedarnath Dham will now become easier. The Adani Group is constructing this ropeway to make the pilgrimage for devotees simpler and safer. It is a matter of pride for us to be a part of this pious endeavor. May Mahadev continue to bestow his grace upon all.”

Reduced Travel Time, Enhanced Safety

Currently, pilgrims undertake a strenuous 9-hour trek to reach the temple. The new ropeway will reduce this journey to just 36 minutes, providing a safer and faster alternative.

Once operational, the system will be able to carry 1,800 passengers per hour in each direction, ensuring smoother movement during peak pilgrimage seasons.

The Indian government is developing this ropeway under the National Ropeways Development Programme – Parvatmala Pariyojana to improve connectivity in hilly and remote regions through modern transport systems.

Furthermore, the Adani Group is executing the project on a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) basis.

Adani Enterprises Ltd (AEL) received the Letter of Award (LoA) in September from the National Highways Logistics Management Ltd (NHLML).

AEL is investing ₹4,081 crore in its first ropeway venture, which its Roads, Metro, Rail, and Water (RMRW) division will deliver.

Also, the construction is expected to take six years, after which AEL will operate and maintain the ropeway for 29 years.

Boost to Tourism and Local Economy

Gautam Adani described the ropeway as ‘a bridge between devotion and modern infrastructure’, emphasising its dual role in serving pilgrims and uplifting the regional economy.

He added that by making the journey safer and more accessible, the project respects the spiritual significance of Kedarnath while also creating opportunities for growth and employment in Uttarakhand.

Moreover, the project is expected to generate jobs, encourage investment, and strengthen the state’s religious tourism sector.

With improved infrastructure, the Kedarnath Dham pilgrimage will become not only more accessible but also more sustainable in the long term.

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