Uttarakhand Ropeway Projects

Current Affairs National

Posted by newadmin on 2025-03-07 08:43:59 |

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The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved the construction of two major ropeway projects in Uttarakhand, connecting Sonprayag to Kedarnath and Govindghat to Hemkund Sahib Ji. These projects aim to provide efficient and eco-friendly transportation for thousands of pilgrims visiting these sacred sites each year.

The Kedarnath ropeway will span 12.9 km and will be developed using the Design, Build, Finance, Operate, and Transfer (DBFOT) model, with a total investment of Rs. 4,081.28 crore. It will utilize Tri-cable Detachable Gondola (3S) technology, allowing the transport of up to 1,800 passengers per hour in each direction, translating to a daily capacity of 18,000 passengers. This advanced system will significantly reduce travel time, cutting the current 8-9 hour trek to just 36 minutes. Kedarnath, one of the twelve sacred Jyotirlingas, attracts nearly 20 lakh pilgrims annually. The ropeway will enhance the pilgrimage experience by providing a comfortable and reliable mode of transport while ensuring all-weather connectivity. Currently, access to Kedarnath is limited to foot travel, ponies, or helicopters, making the new ropeway a game-changer for devotees.

The second ropeway project, connecting Govindghat to Hemkund Sahib Ji, will cover a distance of 12.4 km at a cost of Rs. 2,730.13 crore. It will feature a Monocable Detachable Gondola (MDG) for the initial stretch and a Tri-cable Detachable Gondola (3S) for the final segment. The system is designed to carry 1,100 passengers per hour, offering a daily capacity of 11,000 travelers. Hemkund Sahib Ji, situated at an altitude of 15,000 feet, is an important Sikh pilgrimage site that remains open for about five months each year, drawing 1.5 to 2 lakh visitors. The ropeway will facilitate easier access for pilgrims while promoting tourism in the nearby Valley of Flowers, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its breathtaking natural beauty.

These infrastructure projects are expected to generate significant employment opportunities during both construction and operational phases. They will also have a positive impact on related sectors such as hospitality, travel, and food services, contributing to balanced socio-economic growth in Uttarakhand’s hilly regions.

Environmental sustainability is a key focus of these ropeway developments. By reducing dependence on traditional modes of transport such as road vehicles and ponies, the projects aim to lower the carbon footprint associated with pilgrimage travel. This initiative reflects a broader commitment to promoting sustainable tourism while ensuring that the region’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage remains accessible to devotees and travelers alike.

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