8-hour trek in 36 minutes: Cabinet approves ₹6,800 crore ropeway projects for Kedarnath, Hemkund Sahib Ji

The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved the development of two major ropeway projects in Uttarakhand under the National Ropeways Development Programme – Parvatmala Pariyojana, to improve connectivity to Kedarnath and Hemkund Sahib Ji.

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, sanctioned a 12.9-km ropeway from Sonprayag to Kedarnath at a cost of ₹4,081.28 crore.

The project will be developed on a Design, Build, Finance, Operate, and Transfer (DBFOT) model in a public-private partnership.

The ropeway will employ Tri-cable Detachable Gondola (3S) technology, capable of ferrying 1,800 passengers per hour per direction.

The journey to the Kedarnath temple is a challenging 16-km uphill trek from Gaurikund and is currently covered on foot or by ponies, palanquins and helicopter.

The ropeway will reduce the current 8-9 hour trek to just 36 minutes. The project is expected to generate employment in construction, operations, and allied tourism sectors, including hospitality and food services.

Kedarnath, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, is located at an altitude of 3,583 meters in Rudraprayag district and attracts nearly 20 lakh pilgrims annually.

"The proposed ropeway is planned to provide convenience to pilgrims visiting the temple and ensure all-weather connectivity between Sonprayag and Kedarnath," a government release said.

The Cabinet also approved a 12.4-km ropeway from Govindghat to Hemkund Sahib Ji at a total cost of ₹2,730.13 crore.

The ropeway will utilise Monocable Detachable Gondola (MDG) technology from Govindghat to Ghangaria (10.55 km) and Tri-cable Detachable Gondola (3S) technology from Ghangaria to Hemkund Sahib Ji (1.85 km). With a design capacity of 1,100 passengers per hour per direction, it is expected to transport 11,000 passengers daily.

Currently, the journey to Hemkund Sahib Ji, located at 15,000 feet in Chamoli district, requires a 21-km trek. The ropeway will provide all-weather connectivity and improve access to both the Gurudwara and the UNESCO-listed Valley of Flowers National Park.

"The ropeway project will also generate substantial employment opportunities during construction and operations as well as in allied tourism industries like hospitality, travel, foods & beverages (F&B) and tourism throughout the year," it said.

Both projects are expected to boost local economies, create employment, and enhance infrastructure in the Himalayan region while promoting sustainable tourism.