Kedarnath & Hemkund Sahib Ropeways: Transforming Uttarakhand Pilgrimage Connectivity with Rs 6,811 Cr Investment

New Delhi: The Union Cabinet has approved two ambitious ropeway projects in Uttarakhand—Kedarnath Ropeway and Hemkund Sahib Ropeway—aimed at revolutionizing pilgrimage travel and improving accessibility to these revered religious sites.

With a combined investment of Rs 6,811 crore, these infrastructure projects will provide seamless, environment-friendly, and efficient transport options for millions of devotees visiting the Himalayas annually.

Kedarnath Ropeway: Enhancing Access to a Sacred Jyotirlinga

Kedarnath, one of the 12 sacred Jyotirlingas dedicated to Lord Shiva, is located at an elevation of 3,583 meters in Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand. Currently, the only way to reach Kedarnath from Sonprayag is a 21-kilometer journey, comprising a 5-kilometer road stretch to Gaurikund followed by a steep 16-kilometer trek. In 2023, about 23 lakh pilgrims undertook this arduous journey.

To ease access, the government has sanctioned the Kedarnath Ropeway under the Parvatmala Pariyojana, with a capital investment of Rs 4,081 crore. The ropeway, spanning 12.9 kilometers from Sonprayag to Kedarnath, is being developed by National Highways Logistics Management Limited (NHLML), a subsidiary of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), in partnership with the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board (UTDB).

Key Features of Kedarnath Ropeway:

• Length: 12.9 km
• Implementation Mode: Design-Build-Finance-Operate-Transfer (DBFOT)
• Capacity: Minimum of 1,800 persons per hour per direction (PPHPD)
• Concession Period: 35 years, including six years of construction
• Travel Time: Approximately 36 minutes
• Stations: Sonprayag, Gaurikund, Kedarnath

Once operational, the Kedarnath Ropeway will significantly reduce travel time from the current 8-9 hours to just 36 minutes. This will not only make the journey easier for pilgrims, particularly senior citizens and Divyangjan, but also help distribute footfall across the entire yatra season, alleviating excessive congestion in the peak months.

Additionally, the project is expected to generate employment opportunities and boost the local economy. The legal framework governing its operations will be guided by the Uttarakhand Ropeways Act, 2014.

Hemkund Sahib Ropeway: Improving Connectivity to a Revered Sikh Shrine

Hemkund Sahib, situated at an altitude of 15,000 feet in Chamoli district, is a revered Sikh pilgrimage site associated with Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the tenth Sikh Guru. The holy site, also known for its connection with Lord Rama’s brother Lakshmana, is open for only about five months each year, from May to September. In 2023, approximately 1.77 lakh devotees visited the shrine.

Currently, pilgrims must undertake a challenging trek from Govindghat, which acts as a gateway to both Hemkund Sahib and the UNESCO-listed Valley of Flowers. To ease this journey, the government has approved the Hemkund Sahib Ropeway at a cost of Rs 2,730 crore.

Key Features of Hemkund Sahib Ropeway:

• Total Length: 12.4 km
• Project Cost: Rs 2,589.04 crore
• Implementation Mode: DBFOT
• Sections:
  • Govind Ghat to Ghangaria (10.55 km)
  • Ghangaria to Hemkund Sahib (1.85 km)
• Capacity: 1,100 PPHPD
• Concession Period: 35 years, including six years of construction
• Travel Time: Approximately 42 minutes
• Stations: Govind Ghat, Ghangaria, Hemkund Sahib

The Hemkund Sahib Ropeway will drastically cut travel time, allowing devotees to extend their ‘darshan’ hours from the current 4-5 hours to approximately 10 hours per day (6 AM – 4 PM). This ropeway will also be particularly beneficial for elderly and differently-abled pilgrims, ensuring a safer, more comfortable journey.

Moreover, the project is expected to drive economic growth in the region, benefiting tourism-related businesses.

Like the Kedarnath Ropeway, this project will also be governed by the Uttarakhand Ropeways Act, 2014, ensuring regulatory oversight on licensing, operations, safety, and tariffs.

A Transformative Step in Pilgrimage Infrastructure

The Kedarnath and Hemkund Sahib ropeways mark a significant step in improving pilgrimage infrastructure in Uttarakhand. These projects align with the government’s vision of sustainable and inclusive development, ensuring better connectivity while preserving the region’s fragile ecology.

By reducing the physical strain on pilgrims and boosting local economies, the ropeways are poised to enhance the spiritual experience of devotees while fostering long-term socio-economic growth in the state.

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