Cabinet Approves Sonprayag-Kedarnath Ropeway 36-Minute Travel

The Union Cabinet has approved a 12.9 km long ropeway project from Sonprayag to Kedarnath under the National Ropeway Development Program’s Parvatmala initiative. Additionally, a 12.4 km ropeway will be constructed between Govindghat and Hemkund Sahib. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the decision on Wednesday, stating that the project will significantly reduce travel time from the current 8-9 hours to just 36 minutes. The ropeway will have a seating capacity of 36 passengers per trip.

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Cabinet Approves ₹4,081 Crore Kedarnath Ropeway Project Under DBFOT Model

Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting, Ashwini Vaishnaw, announced that the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the Kedarnath ropeway project on Wednesday. The project will require an investment of approximately ₹4,081 crore, and developers will design, build, finance, operate, and transfer it under the DBFOT model.

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Advanced 3S Ropeway to Boost Connectivity and Employment Opportunities

The government plans to develop the ropeway through a public-private partnership, using advanced tri-cable detachable gondola (3S) technology. It will have a design capacity of 1,800 passengers per hour per direction (PPHPD) and will transport up to 18,000 passengers daily. During construction and operation, the project will generate significant employment opportunities in hospitality, travel, food and beverage (F&B), and other related tourism industries throughout the year.

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Ropeway to Improve Connectivity and Economic Growth in Hilly Regions

The ropeway project is a significant step toward promoting balanced socio-economic development, enhancing last-mile connectivity in hilly areas, and accelerating economic growth. The journey to the Kedarnath temple requires a challenging 16-kilometer ascent from Gaurikund, which pilgrims currently undertake on foot, by mule, palanquin, or helicopter.

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Kedarnath: A Sacred Jyotirlinga and Major Pilgrimage Destination

Kedarnath, one of the 12 sacred Jyotirlingas, is located at an altitude of 3,583 meters (11,968 feet) in Uttarakhand’s Rudraprayag district. The temple remains open to pilgrims for approximately 6 to 7 months each year, from Akshaya Tritiya (April-May) to Diwali (October-November), attracting around 2 million devotees annually during this period.

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