Cabinet approves two ropeway projects in Uttarakhand

The Union Cabinet on Wednesday (March 5, 2025) approved the construction of two ropeways — 12.9 km ropeway from Sonprayag to Kedarnath and 12,4 km ropeway from Govindghat to Hemkund Sahib — in Uttarakhand.

The Union Cabinet on Wednesday (March 5, 2025) approved the construction of two ropeways — 12.9 km ropeway from Sonprayag to Kedarnath and 12,4 km ropeway from Govindghat to Hemkund Sahib — in Uttarakhand.

The 12.9 km project connecting Kedarnath to Sonprayag will be developed on Design, Build, Finance, Operate and Transfer (DBFOT) mode at a total capital cost of ₹4,081.28 crore, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said.

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The ropeway is planned to be developed in public-private partnership and will be based on the most advanced Tri-cable Detachable Gondola (3S) technology with a design capacity of 1,800 passengers per hour per direction (PPHPD) carrying 18,000 passengers per day.

The Kedarnath temple, one of the 12 sacred Jyotirlingas, is situated at an elevation of 3,583 m (11968 ft) in Uttarakhand’s Rudraprayag district. The journey to the temple which is opened only for about six months a year, includes a challenging 16-km uphill trek from Gaurikund. Currently pilgrims cover this stretch on foot or by ponies or palanquins. An helicopter service is also available.

The proposed ropeway is planned to provide convenience to pilgrims visiting the temple and ensure all-weather connectivity between Sonprayag and Kedarnath.

The 12.4 km Hemkund Sahib-Govindghat Ropeway will be developed at a total capital cost of ₹2,730.13 crore.