Transforming Pilgrimage: World’s longest ropeway to come to Kedarnath

The Union Cabinet has approved the Kedarnath and Hemkund Sahib Ropeway projects to enhance accessibility to these sacred sites. With a combined budget of ₹6,811 crore, the ropeways will drastically reduce travel time and replace arduous treks. Using advanced 3S technology, they promise convenience, boost tourism, create jobs, and ensure all-weather connectivity for pilgrims and tourists.

The Union Cabinet has given the green light to the ambitious Kedarnath and Hemkund Sahib Ropeway project, marking a significant step forward in enhancing accessibility to these revered pilgrimage sites. Chaired by Prime Minister Modi, the Cabinet approved the construction of these ropeways, which will span over 13 kilometers and come with an estimated budget of ₹4,081 crore for Kedarnath and ₹2,730 crore for Hemkund Sahib.

This state-of-the-art ropeway system is set to drastically reduce travel time for devotees and tourists. According to Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, the Kedarnath ropeway will cut the current eight-hour journey down to just 40 minutes, offering an efficient and comfortable alternative to the arduous trek.

The Hemkund Sahib ropeway, stretching 12.4 kilometers from Govindghat under the National Ropeways Development Programme – Parvatmala Pariyojana, will similarly transform access to this sacred destination. The project will be executed under a public-private partnership and built using the highly reliable Tri-cable Detachable Gondola (3S) technology. This advanced system boasts a capacity of over 1,500 passengers per hour in a single direction, enabling up to 18,000 pilgrims to be transported daily.

The ropeway connecting Sonprayag to Kedarnath is a welcome development for pilgrims, as it replaces a challenging 16-kilometer trek that currently requires 8-9 hours on foot. By significantly reducing travel time, this project not only enhances convenience but also promises to generate substantial employment opportunities during its construction and operation phases.

Additionally, the improved connectivity is expected to provide a major boost to the tourism and hospitality sectors, benefiting businesses in travel, food, and lodging. By investing nearly ₹4,000 crore, the initiative aims to create a technologically advanced temple-town, fostering sustainable socio-economic growth in the region. Visitors will soon be able to travel with ease to Gaurikund, Kedarnath, and Hemkund Sahib, bypassing the risks and challenges of uphill treks.

This ropeway project represents a monumental leap in convenience for pilgrims, ensuring all-weather connectivity and making these sacred journeys more accessible than ever before. Devotees and travelers alike can look forward to a seamless experience while embarking on these cherished pilgrimages.