Wed Mar 05 10:07:42 UTC 2025: ## Government Approves Multi-Crore Ropeway Projects for Uttarakhand Pilgrimage Sites
**Dehradun, Uttarakhand – March 5, 2025** – The Union Cabinet has approved the construction of two major ropeway projects in Uttarakhand, aimed at improving accessibility to the revered pilgrimage sites of Kedarnath and Hemkund Sahib. The projects, totaling over ₹6,800 crore, will significantly ease travel for pilgrims.
A 12.9 km ropeway will connect Sonprayag to Kedarnath at a cost of ₹4,081.28 crore. This state-of-the-art Tri-cable Detachable Gondola (3S) system will have a capacity of 1,800 passengers per hour per direction, transporting 18,000 pilgrims daily. Currently, pilgrims undertake a challenging 16-km trek from Gaurikund, relying on foot, ponies, palanquins, or helicopter services. The new ropeway will offer all-weather connectivity, enhancing convenience and safety.
A second ropeway, spanning 12.4 km between Govindghat and Hemkund Sahib, will be built at a cost of ₹2,730.13 crore. Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara, located at a high altitude, attracts 1.5 to 2 lakh pilgrims annually during its five-month opening period (May-September). The ropeway will also improve access to the Valley of Flowers National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Both projects will be developed through a public-private partnership under the Design, Build, Finance, Operate and Transfer (DBFOT) model. Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the cabinet’s approval, highlighting the government’s commitment to improving infrastructure for pilgrimage and tourism in the region.
First Piper 