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The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved a 12.9 km ropeway project connecting Sonprayag to Kedarnath in Uttarakhand. This initiative, part of the National Ropeways Development Programme – Parvatmala Pariyojana, aims to enhance connectivity for pilgrims visiting the sacred Kedarnath temple.
The project will be developed on a Design, Build, Finance, Operate, and Transfer (DBFOT) basis, with an estimated cost of ₹4,081.28 crore. Utilising advanced Tri-cable Detachable Gondola (3S) technology, the ropeway is designed to transport 1,800 passengers per hour in each direction, accommodating up to 18,000 passengers daily.
Currently, pilgrims undertake a challenging 16-km uphill trek from Gaurikund to reach Kedarnath, typically taking 8 to 9 hours. The new ropeway will significantly reduce this journey to approximately 36 minutes, offering an eco-friendly and comfortable alternative.
Beyond improving accessibility, the project is expected to generate substantial employment opportunities during both construction and operational phases. It will also boost allied tourism sectors, including hospitality, travel, and food and beverages, contributing to the region’s economic growth.
Kedarnath, situated at an elevation of 3,583 meters in Uttarakhand’s Rudraprayag district, is one of the 12 sacred Jyotirlingas. The temple is open to pilgrims for about six to seven months annually, from Akshaya Tritiya (April-May) to Diwali (October-November), attracting approximately 20 lakh visitors each season.
The approval of the Sonprayag-Kedarnath ropeway project underscores the government’s commitment to improving infrastructure in hilly regions, fostering balanced socio-economic development, and enhancing last-mile connectivity for pilgrims and tourists alike.
