Modi Govt. Approves Hemkund & Kedarnath Ropeways.

The Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the construction of ropeway projects in Uttarakhand to enhance accessibility and ease pilgrim travel.

The Govindghat-Hemkund Sahib Ji ropeway will span 12.4 km and be built at a cost of Rs 2,730.13 crore. Currently, pilgrims traverse the 21-km uphill trek on foot, ponies, or palanquins. The project, developed under a public-private partnership, will feature:

• A monocable detachable gondola (MDG) for the Govindghat-Ghangaria section (10.55 km).
• A tricable detachable gondola (3S) for the Ghangaria-Hemkund Sahib Ji stretch (1.85 km).

With a capacity of 1,100 passengers per hour per direction, the ropeway can serve up to 11,000 passengers daily. This initiative is expected to boost employment in construction, tourism, hospitality, and F&B sectors.

Additionally, the Cabinet has approved the Kedarnath ropeway project, covering 12.9 km with an estimated cost of Rs 4,081 crore. This ropeway will utilize 3S technology, enabling a capacity of 1,800 passengers per hour per direction, serving up to 18,000 passengers daily.

Providing all-weather connectivity between Sonprayag and Kedarnath, the ropeway will significantly reduce the existing 16-km uphill trek from Gaurikund. Kedarnath, situated at an altitude of 3,583 meters in Rudraprayag district, is open for six to seven months annually, attracting around 20 lakh pilgrims each season.

These projects aim to improve accessibility while enhancing the pilgrimage experience for millions.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.