Cabinet Sanctions Two Ropeway Ventures Worth ₹6,811 Crore for Kedarnath and Hemkund Sahib
Click to start listening
Synopsis
The CCEA, led by PM Modi, has approved two significant ropeway projects costing ₹6,811 crore to enhance connectivity for pilgrims to Kedarnath and Hemkund Sahib in Uttarakhand. The initiatives aim to provide eco-friendly transportation and stimulate employment opportunities.
Key Takeaways
- Investment: ₹6,811 crore for two ropeways.
- Technology: Tri-cable Detachable Gondola (3S).
- Capacity: 1,800 passengers/hour, 18,000 daily.
- Travel Time: Reduced from 8-9 hours to 36 minutes.
- Employment: Job creation in tourism sectors.
New Delhi, March 5 (NationPress) The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has given the green light for the establishment of two ropeway ventures at a total investment of ₹6,811 crore aimed at enhancing last-mile connectivity for pilgrims heading to the sacred shrine at Kedarnath and the Gurudwara at Hemkund Sahib, both situated in Uttarakhand.
The 12.9 km ropeway initiative from Sonprayag to Kedarnath is set to be executed under the Design, Build, Finance, Operate and Transfer (DBFOT) framework, with a total capital expenditure of ₹4,081.28 crore, as per the official announcement following the CCEA meeting.
This ropeway is designed to function as a Public-Private Partnership and will utilize the latest Tri-cable Detachable Gondola (3S) technology, boasting a capacity of 1,800 passengers per hour in each direction, facilitating the transport of 18,000 passengers per day.
The ropeway initiative is expected to greatly benefit pilgrims traveling to Kedarnath by offering an eco-friendly, comfortable, and swift travel option, cutting down the journey time significantly from roughly 8 to 9 hours to approximately 36 minutes, according to the statement.
Moreover, this project will create numerous employment opportunities during its construction and operation phases, as well as in related tourism sectors such as hospitality, travel, food, and beverages (F&B) throughout the year.
The advancement of these ropeway projects marks a crucial milestone towards achieving balanced socio-economic development, improving last-mile connectivity in mountainous areas, and driving rapid economic progress.
The trek to the Kedarnath temple involves a demanding 16-km uphill walk from Gaurikund, which is currently undertaken either on foot or via ponies, palanquins, and helicopters.
The proposed ropeway aims to enhance convenience for pilgrims visiting the temple and ensure year-round connectivity between Sonprayag and Kedarnath.
Kedarnath is one of the twelve revered Jyotirlingas located at an elevation of 3,583 metres (11,968 feet) in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand. The temple remains accessible to pilgrims for approximately 6 to 7 months each year, from Akshaya Tritiya (April-May) to Diwali (October-November), attracting around 20 lakh pilgrims annually during the open season.
