NEW DELHI: The Union cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Wednesday approved the Kedarnath ropeway and Hemkund Sahib ropeway projects. The Kedarnath ropeway, spanning 12.9 kilometres, will be constructed with a financial outlay of approximately Rs 4,081 crore. According to Union minister Ashwini Vaishnav, the Hemkund Sahib ropeway project will cost around Rs 2,730 crore.
The Kedarnath ropeway project will connect Sonprayag to Kedarnath and will be developed under the Design, Build, Finance, Operate, and Transfer (DBFOT) mode. The project is being executed through a public-private partnership and will incorporate the advanced Tri-cable Detachable Gondola (3S) technology. The system is designed to have a capacity of 1,800 passengers per hour per direction (PPHPD), enabling the transport of up to 18,000 pilgrims daily.
The ropeway is expected to revolutionise travel for pilgrims by significantly reducing the travel time between Sonprayag and Kedarnath. Currently, the journey involves a strenuous 16-km uphill trek from Gaurikund, which takes approximately 8 to 9 hours on foot or by using ponies, palanquins, or helicopters. Once operational, the ropeway will cut this travel time down to just 36 minutes, offering a faster, more comfortable, and environmentally friendly alternative.
Beyond improving pilgrimage accessibility, the project is poised to generate substantial employment opportunities during both the construction and operational phases. It is also expected to boost allied tourism industries such as hospitality, travel, food & beverages, and year-round tourism-related services.
The ropeway development aligns with the government’s commitment to enhancing last-mile connectivity in hilly regions and fostering balanced socio-economic growth. By improving infrastructure in the region, the project is set to stimulate rapid economic development while ensuring safer and more efficient transportation for pilgrims.
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