Rs 6,811 Crore Ropeway Projects for Shri Kedarnath Dham and Hemkund Sahib Approved by Union Cabinet
The Union Cabinet has approved two major ropeway projects aimed at improving connectivity to key pilgrimage sites in Uttarakhand. These projects will link Sonprayag to Shri Kedarnath Dham and Govind Ghat to Hemkund Sahib. The approval, granted on March 5, 2025, is part of the government's broader initiative to facilitate travel to important Hindu and Sikh religious destinations in the state.
Kedarnath Ropeway Project
The Kedarnath ropeway project will cover a distance of 12.9 km and will be developed under the Design, Build, Finance, Operate, and Transfer (DBFOT) model. The total estimated capital cost of the project is Rs 4,081.28 crore. The ropeway will be developed through a public-private partnership and will incorporate Tri-Cable Detachable Gondola (3S) technology. The system will have a design capacity of 1,800 passengers per hour per direction (PPHPD), enabling the transportation of approximately 18,000 passengers per day.
The ropeway is expected to significantly reduce travel time for pilgrims visiting Kedarnath. Currently, the journey takes about 8 to 9 hours by foot or mule. The ropeway will bring this down to approximately 36 minutes, providing a more efficient means of reaching the temple.
Shri Kedarnath Dham, one of the 12 sacred Jyotirlingas, is located at an altitude of 3,583 meters (11,968 feet) in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand. The temple remains open for about six to seven months each year, from Akshaya Tritiya (April-May) to Diwali (October-November). During this period, around 20 lakh pilgrims visit the shrine.
Hemkund Sahib Ropeway Project
The Union Cabinet has also approved the construction of a 12.4 km ropeway from Govindghat to Hemkund Sahib. This project will also be executed under the DBFOT model at a total capital cost of Rs 2,730.13 crore.
The ropeway will feature a Monocable Detachable Gondola (MDG) system from Govindghat to Ghangaria (10.55 km). From Ghangaria to Hemkund Sahib (1.85 km), the project will incorporate Tri-Cable Detachable Gondola (3S) technology. The system will have a design capacity of 1,100 passengers per hour per direction (PPHPD), accommodating around 11,000 passengers per day.
Currently, the journey to Hemkund Sahib is a 21-km uphill trek from Govindghat, which is completed on foot or with the help of ponies and palanquins. The proposed ropeway will provide a more accessible means of travel for pilgrims. It will also improve access to the Valley of Flowers, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Expected Benefits and Connectivity Improvements
Both ropeway projects aim to improve accessibility and reduce travel time for visitors. The Kedarnath ropeway will provide an alternative to the long and difficult trek, while the Hemkund Sahib ropeway will offer a more convenient way to reach the gurudwara, particularly for elderly pilgrims.
The introduction of advanced ropeway technology ensures a reliable mode of transport capable of handling large numbers of passengers daily. The projects are designed to function in varying weather conditions, providing year-round connectivity.
The government has emphasized the importance of these projects in supporting religious tourism in Uttarakhand. The increased accessibility is expected to boost local economies by creating job opportunities and supporting businesses in the tourism and hospitality sectors.
Both ropeways will be developed with an emphasis on maintaining environmental balance. Authorities have indicated that sustainable construction methods will be adopted to minimize ecological impact.
With the approvals in place, the next steps will involve finalizing project timelines, securing necessary clearances, and initiating construction activities. These projects are expected to contribute to improved pilgrimage experiences and regional development in Uttarakhand.