The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the construction of two ropeway projects in Uttarakhand to improve access for pilgrims traveling to Kedarnath Temple and Hemkund Sahib.
The projects, with a combined investment of Rs. 6,811 crore, aim to enhance last-mile connectivity.
A key component of this initiative is the 12.9 km ropeway from Sonprayag to Kedarnath, which will be developed under the Design, Build, Finance, Operate, and Transfer (DBFOT) model.
The total capital expenditure for this project stands at Rs 4,081.28 crore, as per the official announcement following the CCEA meeting.
The ropeway will operate through a Public-Private Partnership and utilize the advanced Tri-cable Detachable Gondola (3S) system.
Designed to handle 1,800 passengers per hour in each direction, it will likely accommodate around 18,000 pilgrims daily.
This development will significantly reduce travel time between Sonprayag and Kedarnath, cutting the current 8-9 hour journey to just 36 minutes.
Additionally, it is likely to offer an eco-friendly, safe, and comfortable alternative to traditional trekking, pony rides, and helicopter services.
Beyond benefiting pilgrims, the project is likely to create jobs during both the construction and operational phases.
It will also boost tourism-related sectors such as hospitality, travel, and food services, fostering year-round economic activity.
Enhancing connectivity in Uttarakhand’s mountainous terrain, the ropeway is a step toward sustainable development in the region.
It will also make the 16-km trek from Gaurikund to Kedarnath easier, replacing the need to travel on foot, by ponies, or palanquins.
Kedarnath, situated at an altitude of 3,583 meters in the Rudraprayag district, is one of the 12 sacred Jyotirlingas.
Open to pilgrims for about six to seven months a year, from Akshaya Tritiya (April-May) to Diwali (October-November), the temple attracts around 20 lakh devotees annually.
The proposed ropeway will likely improve accessibility, ensure year-round connectivity, and support the overall economic growth of the region.
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