Kedarnath Ropeway Project 2025: Revolutionizing Pilgrimage Travel

The Kedarnath ropeway project 2025 marks a major leap in infrastructure development aimed at transforming pilgrimage travel in Uttarakhand. This 12.9-kilometer long ropeway will connect Sonprayag directly to the holy Kedarnath shrine, cutting down the current arduous 8 to 9-hour trek to just a swift 36-minute cable car ride. This initiative is part of India’s National Ropeways Development Programme, known as the Parvatmala Pariyojana, which focuses on improving last-mile connectivity in hilly and difficult terrains (Economic Times).

Kedarnath Ropeway Project 2025 Details and Development Model

With a hefty investment of approximately Rs 4,081 crore, the construction of the Kedarnath ropeway is underway under a public-private partnership (PPP) using the Design, Build, Finance, Operate, and Transfer (DBFOT) model. Adani Enterprises Ltd (AEL), a flagship company of the Adani Group, is the main developer awarded the contract to construct and operate the ropeway for 29 years after completion.

This financial setup ensures that the government benefits from the revenue without direct investment, while the project remains financially sustainable (NDTV).

Technology and Capacity

The Kedarnath ropeway project 2025 will employ state-of-the-art Tri-Cable Detachable Gondola (3S) technology, renowned for its safety, durability, and efficiency in high-altitude and challenging terrains. It is designed to transport up to 1,800 passengers per hour per direction, which translates to an estimated daily capacity of about 18,000 pilgrims.

This capacity will help manage the heavy footfall to Kedarnath, especially during peak pilgrimage seasons, ensuring smooth and uninterrupted travel for devotees (Tirthayatra).

Travel Time Reduction and Pilgrim Convenience

Currently, pilgrims undertake a difficult and exhausting 16 km uphill trek from Gaurikund to Kedarnath or use expensive alternatives like ponies, palanquins, and helicopters.

The new ropeway will cut this journey drastically from around 8-9 hours down to only 36 minutes, making travel easier, less tiring, and more reliable. This improvement also makes the pilgrimage accessible to elderly and differently-abled individuals who struggle with the traditional route (India Today).

Economic Impact and Tourism Boost

This major infrastructure project is expected to bolster the local economy by creating numerous jobs during both the construction and operational phases. It will also stimulate allied sectors such as hospitality, transport, food services, and year-round tourism.

The ropeway is expected to increase tourist inflow by providing convenient access to Kedarnath, which attracts approximately 20 lakh pilgrims annually. Additionally, shifting to ropeway travel will reduce environmental degradation linked to the heavy use of ponies and other traditional transport modes (Jagran Josh).

Affordable and Accessible Travel

Although the exact fare for the ropeway ticket is yet to be announced, the project plans to keep prices affordable so that all pilgrims, regardless of economic background, can benefit from this convenient travel mode.

This affordability factor ensures that the ropeway complements the spiritual significance of the journey without putting financial strain on travelers (India TV News).

Strategic Importance and Vision

Gautam Adani, Chairman of the Adani Group, highlighted the Kedarnath ropeway as a vital link connecting faith with modern infrastructure.

This project exemplifies the government’s commitment to enhancing pilgrimage infrastructure while driving socio-economic development in Uttarakhand. It also aligns with India’s broader push to develop sustainable, efficient transport systems in remote and mountainous areas, reinforcing the nation’s “Make in India” goals (Economic Times).

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