More than 47.32 lakh pilgrims and tourists used Gujarat's 'Udan Khatola' ropeway network across the pilgrimage sites of Girnar, Pavagadh, and Ambaji during 2025-26, according to details released on Friday, 21 August 2025. The figures underline a sharp rise in mechanised access to the state's hilltop religious destinations, drawing families, senior citizens, children, and persons with disabilities.

Site-wise Footfall

The Pavagadh Ropeway in Panchmahal district recorded the highest footfall at over 23.43 lakh visitors, making it the busiest of the three. The Ambaji Ropeway in Banaskantha followed with more than 15.58 lakh users, while the Girnar Ropeway in Junagadh accounted for over 8.31 lakh — together crossing the 47 lakh mark for the year.

About the Girnar Ropeway

The Girnar Ropeway, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in October 2020, spans 2.12 kilometres and is described as one of the world's longest ropeways. It connects the foothills of the Girnar mountains to the Ambaji Mata Temple, situated at an altitude of 3,660 feet — a climb otherwise requiring roughly 5,000 steps. The system operates 31 cabins, carries up to 1,000 passengers per hour, and completes the ascent in approximately nine minutes.

Tourism and Religious Circuit

The Girnar hills are home to the Guru Dattatreya Temple, Gorakhnath Temple, and a cluster of historic Jain temples, drawing peak crowds during Navratri, Janmashtami, and Shravan. Its proximity to the Somnath Temple and the Gir Lion Sanctuary positions Girnar within a broader pilgrimage and eco-tourism circuit. The monsoon season, when clouds settle around the mountain range, has also emerged as a distinct draw for visitors.

Operator, Facilities and Access

Usha Breco Limited operates all three ropeways under the 'Udan Khatola' brand. Facilities across the three sites include waiting halls, food courts, family entertainment centres, first-aid services, wheelchairs, massage chairs, lockers, drinking water, toilets, and mother care rooms. The Girnar Ropeway runs from 7 am to 5 pm; Pavagadh from 6 am to 5:45 pm; and Ambaji from 7 am to 6 pm. Tickets can be booked online. December to March is considered the optimal visiting window, with student and disability discounts available during this period.

Local Employment and STEM Outreach

According to the official release, the surge in visitors has generated employment opportunities for local youth in the surrounding areas. The operator also runs an annual 'Sharad Mahotsav' STEM excursion programme for school students between December and March, blending pilgrimage infrastructure with educational outreach. With footfall crossing 47 lakh, the ropeway network is increasingly central to Gujarat's religious tourism economy.