Cabinet approves Kedarnath and Hemkund Sahib ropeway projects; here’s what we know so far

Pilgrimage to Kedarnath and Hemkund Sahib is set to become faster and more convenient as the Union Cabinet has approved two ropeway projects worth INR 6,811 crore to improve accessibility to these revered religious sites. The projects, sanctioned under the Parvatmala Pariyojana, aim to boost tourism in Uttarakhand’s remote hilly areas and provide pilgrims with a safer and more efficient mode of travel.

As per reports, the Kedarnath ropeway project is one of the most ambitious in India, and has been approved at a cost of INR 4,081 crore. It will cover 12.9 km, connecting Sonprayag to Kedarnath, significantly reducing the arduous trek time from 8-9 hours to just 36 minutes.

The ropeway will have a design capacity of 1,800 passengers per hour per direction (PPHPD), allowing around 18,000 pilgrims to travel daily.

For lakhs of devotees visiting Kedarnath annually, this ropeway will be a boon, offering an environment-friendly, comfortable, and time-saving journey to one of India's 12 sacred Jyotirlingas. Situated at 3,583 meters in the Rudraprayag district, Kedarnath temple currently remains open for six to seven months a year. The ropeway will enhance accessibility, particularly for elderly and differently-abled devotees who often find the trek challenging.

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In addition to Kedarnath, the Hemkund Sahib ropeway project has also been approved, with an estimated cost of INR 2,730 crore. The 12.4 km ropeway will connect Govindghat to Hemkund Sahib, reducing the strenuous 21-km uphill trek that pilgrims currently endure on foot, ponies, or palanquins.

Hemkund Sahib, a revered Sikh pilgrimage site, is perched at 4,632 meters, making it one of the highest Gurudwaras in the world. The new ropeway will provide all-weather last-mile connectivity.. Additionally, the project is expected to benefit those traveling to the nearby Valley of Flowers, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

By introducing a sustainable transport solution, the ropeways will not only enhance convenience but also contribute to preserving the fragile Himalayan ecosystem.

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