Massive Boost to Pilgrimage Infrastructure in Uttarakhand
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved two major ropeway projects in Uttarakhand on Wednesday (March 5, 2025). These projects, aimed at enhancing connectivity to Kedarnath and Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara, will be developed under the National Ropeways Development Programme, Parvatmala Pariyojana, at an estimated cost of ₹7,000 crore. The ropeways will significantly reduce travel time to these high-altitude pilgrimage sites, situated over 3,500 metres above sea level.
Govindghat to Hemkund Sahib Ropeway
The 12.4-km ropeway from Govindghat to Hemkund Sahib will be developed on a Design, Build, Finance, Operate, and Transfer (DBFOT) model at a capital cost of ₹2,730.13 crore. Currently, pilgrims undertake a challenging 21-km uphill trek from Govindghat, either on foot or using ponies and palanquins. The proposed ropeway will provide much-needed convenience to the 1.5 to 2 lakh devotees who visit the gurudwara annually during the five-month pilgrimage season from May to September.
Additionally, the ropeway will facilitate access to the Valley of Flowers, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, enhancing tourism in the pristine Garhwal Himalayas. The project will be developed in a public-private partnership and will incorporate advanced technology, including a Monocable Detachable Gondola system from Govindghat to Ghangaria (10.55 km) and a Tricable Detachable Gondola (3S) system from Ghangaria to Hemkund Sahib (1.85 km). It will have a design capacity of 1,100 passengers per hour per direction (PPHPD), accommodating up to 11,000 passengers per day.
Sonprayag to Kedarnath Ropeway
The 12.9-km ropeway from Sonprayag to Kedarnath will be constructed at a cost of ₹4,081.28 crore. With a capacity of 1,800 PPHPD, it will be able to carry 18,000 passengers per day. This ropeway will drastically cut the current travel time of eight to nine hours to just 36 minutes.
At present, pilgrims reach Kedarnath either by helicopters, ponies, or on foot via a strenuous 16-km uphill trek from Gaurikund. Kedarnath, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas and a key part of the Char Dham Yatra, is among the most visited temples in India.
Economic and Tourism Impact
Beyond improving pilgrimage accessibility, these ropeway projects are expected to generate significant employment opportunities during both construction and operation phases. They will also boost allied industries, including hospitality, travel, food and beverage (F&B), and tourism, providing year-round economic benefits to the region.
