Cabinet approves Kedarnath, Hemkund Sahib ropeway projects worth ₹6,811 crore
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New Delhi: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved two major ropeway projects worth ₹6,811 crore to enhance last-mile connectivity for pilgrims visiting Kedarnath and Hemkund Sahib in Uttarakhand. The project aims to provide a faster, environment-friendly, and comfortable mode of transport to these sacred sites.
The 12.9 km ropeway from Sonprayag to Kedarnath will be developed under the Design, Build, Finance, Operate, and Transfer (DBFOT) model at a capital cost of ₹4,081.28 crore. The project will follow a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) approach and utilize the advanced Tri-Cable Detachable Gondola (3S) technology, designed to carry 1,800 passengers per hour per direction, accommodating up to 18,000 passengers daily.
This ropeway is expected to significantly ease the journey for pilgrims, reducing the one-way travel time from approximately 8-9 hours to just 36 minutes. It will also generate substantial employment opportunities during both construction and operation phases, benefiting sectors such as hospitality, travel, and food and beverage industries.
Currently, the 16-km uphill trek to Kedarnath from Gaurikund is covered on foot, ponies, palanquins, or helicopters. The proposed ropeway will ensure all-weather connectivity, making the pilgrimage more accessible.
Kedarnath, one of the 12 sacred Jyotirlingas, is located at an altitude of 3,583 meters (11,968 feet) in Rudraprayag district. The temple remains open for about 6-7 months annually, from Akshaya Tritiya (April-May) to Diwali (October-November), attracting nearly 20 lakh pilgrims each season.
The development of these ropeways marks a significant step towards socio-economic progress in the region, enhancing connectivity in hilly terrains and promoting tourism-driven economic growth.
With IANS inputs