Sonprayag-Kedarnath Ropeway Approved: 12.9 Km Journey In Just 36 Minutes

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has given the green light for the construction of a 12.9 km ropeway connecting Sonprayag to Kedarnath.

The project, set to be developed under the Design, Build, Finance, Operate, and Transfer (DBFOT) model, will be implemented at an estimated cost of ₹4,081.28 crore in a public-private partnership (PPP) framework.

Utilizing Tri-Cable Detachable Gondola (3S) technology, the ropeway will have a capacity of 1,800 passengers per hour per direction (PPHPD), enabling it to ferry 18,000 pilgrims daily. This state-of-the-art system will cut down travel time from the existing 8-9 hours on foot or by pony to just 36 minutes, offering a faster, safer, and eco-friendly mode of transport.

Boost to Employment & Tourism

The project is expected to create numerous job opportunities during its construction and operation phases. Additionally, it will stimulate growth in allied sectors such as hospitality, travel, and food & beverage (F&B), enhancing year-round tourism in the region.

"The ropeway project will be a boon to the pilgrims visiting Kedarnath as it would provide an environment-friendly, comfortable and fast connectivity and reduce travel time in one direction from about 8 to 9 hours to about 36 minutes.The ropeway project will also generate substantial employment opportunities during construction and operations as well as in allied tourism industries like hospitality, travel, foods & beverages (F&B) and tourism throughout the year," a statement from Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) said.

Enhanced Connectivity & Pilgrim Convenience

Kedarnath, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, is located at 3,583 meters (11,968 ft) in Uttarakhand's Rudraprayag district and attracts around 20 lakh devotees each pilgrimage season. Currently, reaching the temple involves a 16-km uphill trek from Gaurikund, covered on foot, by ponies, palanquins, or helicopters. The ropeway will offer an all-weather, last-mile connectivity solution, making the sacred site more accessible to pilgrims.