The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) on March 5, 2025, approved two ropeway projects in Uttarakhand under the National Ropeways Development Programme – Parvatmala Pariyojana. These projects aim to improve connectivity to major pilgrimage sites, Kedarnath and Hemkund Sahib, significantly reducing travel time for pilgrims.
Key Details of the Ropeway Projects
| Ropeway Route | Length | Cost | Mode |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sonprayag to Kedarnath | TBD | ₹4,270 crore | PPP (Design, Build, Finance, Operate and Transfer: DBFOT) |
| Govindghat to Hemkund Sahib | 12.4 km | ₹2,730 crore | PPP (DBFOT) |
Significance of the Ropeways
- Reduced Travel Time: Pilgrims will be able to reach their destinations much faster than by trekking.
- Enhanced Pilgrimage Experience: Kedarnath and Hemkund Sahib, situated above 3,500m, will now be accessible with ease.
- Tourism Boost: The Govindghat–Hemkund Sahib ropeway will also benefit tourists visiting the Valley of Flowers, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the pristine Garhwal Himalayas.
Hemkund Sahib Ropeway
- Situated at 15,000 ft in Chamoli district, Hemkund Sahib attracts 1.5 to 2 lakh pilgrims annually.
- The ropeway will operate from May to September, coinciding with the gurudwara’s open season.
Parvatmala Pariyojana – India’s Ropeway Development Initiative
- Announced in Union Budget 2022-23 to develop ropeways in PPP mode.
- 8 ropeway projects covering 60 km were planned for 2022-23.
- Regions covered: Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Manipur, J&K, and the Northeast.
- The Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MORTH) was authorized in February 2021 to oversee ropeway development.
(Source: PIB)
