The Kedarnath Ropeway Project will revolutionize travel to one of India’s most sacred shrines, providing pilgrims with a faster, safer, and more convenient journey. Approved by the Union Cabinet on March 5, 2025, this ambitious infrastructure initiative will be completed within six years.
Kedarnath Ropeway Project Overview
- Route: The ropeway will span 12.9 kilometers, connecting Sonprayag to Kedarnath, significantly easing the journey for devotees.
- Time Efficiency: Currently, the trek from Gaurikund to Kedarnath covers 16 kilometers and takes around 8 to 9 hours. The ropeway will cut this time drastically to just 36 minutes.
- Capacity: Designed to handle 1,800 passengers per hour in both directions, the system will facilitate up to 18,000 pilgrims daily.
- Technology: The project will incorporate state-of-the-art Tri-cable Detachable Gondola (3S) technology, ensuring a safe and efficient travel experience.
- Investment: With an estimated budget of ₹4,081 crore, the development follows a Design, Build, Finance, Operate, and Transfer (DBFOT) model under a public-private partnership.
Kedarnath Ropeway Key Benefits
Improved Accessibility
The Kedarnath Ropeway will make the pilgrimage more accessible to a diverse range of travelers, including the elderly and differently-abled individuals, who often find the traditional trek challenging.
Economic Upliftment
The project is expected to generate significant employment opportunities during its construction and operational phases. It will also stimulate the local economy by boosting businesses related to tourism, hospitality, travel, and food services.
Environmental Sustainability
By offering an alternative to motorized and animal-based transport, the ropeway aims to reduce the environmental impact associated with the pilgrimage, preserving the fragile Himalayan ecosystem.
Transforming the Pilgrimage Experience
Once operational, the Kedarnath Ropeway will redefine the pilgrimage experience, making it safer, quicker, and more comfortable. This initiative marks a major step toward modernizing religious tourism in India while maintaining the spiritual and cultural essence of the journey to Kedarnath. Accessibility in Six Years