PM Modi Gifts Uttarakhand Ropeways to Kedarnath and Hemkunt Sahib

DAINIK NATION BUREAU/DEHRADUN

PM Narendra Modi led Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved the two major Ropeways in Uttarakhand under the National Ropeway Development Programme – Parvatmala Project. It includes a 12.9 km ropeway from Sonprayag to Kedarnath and a 12.4 km ropeway from Govindghat to Hemkunt Sahib Ji with an investment of Rs. 6,811.41 crore.

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has expressed gratitude to the PM Modi for these approvals, calling them a significant boon for pilgrims. He highlighted that these projects would enhance accessibility, ensure smooth journey for devotees visiting the holy shrines. The CM Dhami noted that PM Modi has a special connection with Uttarakhand and has consistently supported the state’s development initiatives.

Kedarnath Ropeway: Faster and Eco-Friendly Access

The Sonprayag-Kedarnath ropeway, approved with a capital cost of Rs. 4,081.28 crore, will be developed on a Design, Build, Finance, Operate, and Transfer (DBFOT) model under a public-private partnership. The ropeway will feature the most advanced Tricable Detachable Gondola (3S) technology, boasting a capacity of 1,800 passengers per hour per direction (PPHPD), facilitating 18,000 passengers daily. This ropeway will dramatically reduce travel time from 8-9 hours to approximately 36 minutes per direction, making the pilgrimage more comfortable and eco-friendly.

Currently, devotees must undertake a strenuous 16 km trek from Gaurikund to reach Kedarnath, using foot, mule, palanquin, or helicopter services. The ropeway will provide all-weather connectivity, significantly benefiting pilgrims. Kedarnath, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, is located at an altitude of 3,583 meters in Rudraprayag district.

Hemkund Sahib Ropeway: Boosting Pilgrimage and Tourism

The Govindghat-Hemkunt Sahib Ji ropeway, sanctioned at Rs. 2,730.13 crore, will also be developed under the DBFOT model. This ropeway will be constructed using Monocable Detachable Gondola (MDG) technology from Govindghat to Ghangaria (10.55 km) and the advanced Tricable Detachable Gondola (3S) system from Ghangaria to Hemkunt Sahib Ji (1.85 km). It will have a capacity of 1,100 passengers per hour per direction (PPHPD), accommodating 11,000 passengers daily.

Currently, the 21 km journey from Govindghat to Hemkunt Sahib Ji is arduous and is undertaken on foot, by pony, or palanquin. The new ropeway will offer seamless last-mile connectivity, benefiting not just Sikh pilgrims but also tourists visiting the Valley of Flowers, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Economic and Employment Boost

Both ropeway projects are expected to create substantial employment opportunities in construction, operation, and tourism-related sectors, including hospitality, travel, and food services. They are also anticipated to enhance regional economic growth while providing an environmentally sustainable travel alternative.

With these new projects, Uttarakhand is poised to become a more accessible and thriving spiritual and adventure tourism hub, further strengthening its position as a leading pilgrimage destination in India.