CM Pushkar Dhami Thanks PM Narendra Modi After Cabinet Approves Kedarnath, Hemkund Sahib Ropeway Projects

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Wednesday expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the Union Cabinet's approval of ropeway projects from Sonprayag to Kedarnath and Govindghat to Hemkund Sahib. These developments are seen as significant gifts to Uttarakhand, easing pilgrim visits. During a Delhi visit, Dhami had requested these projects, highlighting Modi's special connection with Uttarakhand.

The Union Cabinet has sanctioned the construction of a 12.9 km ropeway from Sonprayag to Kedarnath under the Parvatmala Project. This initiative is part of the National Ropeway Development Programme and will be executed in a Design, Build, Finance, Operate and Transfer (DBFOT) mode. The total capital cost for this project is estimated at Rs 4,081.28 crore.

Ropeway Projects Enhance Connectivity

The Kedarnath ropeway will employ advanced Tri-Cable Detachable Gondola (3S) technology. It aims to transport 1,800 passengers per hour, accommodating up to 18,000 daily. This eco-friendly solution will cut travel time from 8-9 hours to just 36 minutes one way, offering comfort and speed for pilgrims.

The Kedarnath temple journey currently involves a challenging 16 km trek from Gaurikund by foot or other means like horse-mule or helicopter. The proposed ropeway aims to ease this journey while ensuring all-weather connectivity between Sonprayag and Kedarnath.

Boosting Employment and Tourism

The ropeway projects promise year-round employment opportunities in construction and operation phases. They will also benefit allied tourism sectors such as hospitality, travel, food and beverage industries. This development is crucial for promoting balanced socio-economic growth and enhancing last-mile connectivity in hilly areas.

In addition to the Kedarnath project, the Union Cabinet approved a 12.4 km ropeway from Govindghat to Hemkund Sahib Ji under the same programme. This project will also follow the DBFOT model with an estimated cost of Rs 2,730.13 crore.

Facilitating Pilgrimage Journeys

The Hemkund Sahib Ji journey currently involves a strenuous 21 km trek from Govindghat on foot or other traditional means. The new ropeway will provide all-weather connectivity between Govindghat and Hemkund Sahib Ji, benefiting both pilgrims and tourists visiting the Valley of Flowers.

This ropeway will feature Monocable Detachable Gondola (MDG) technology from Govindghat to Ghangaria (10.55 km), coupled with advanced Tricable Detachable Gondola (3S) technology from Ghangaria to Hemkund Sahib Ji (1.85 km). It is designed for a capacity of 1,100 passengers per hour per direction.

Significance of Religious Sites

Kedarnath is one of India's twelve holy Jyotirlingas located at an altitude of 3,583 m in Rudraprayag district. Meanwhile, Hemkund Sahib Ji is situated at an altitude of 15,000 feet in Chamoli district and attracts around 1.5 to 2 lakh pilgrims annually during its five-month open period from May to September.

These projects are expected not only to enhance pilgrimage experiences but also contribute significantly to Uttarakhand's economic growth by attracting more visitors throughout the year.