The long-awaited Kedarnath Ropeway project is set to begin construction in October 2025. The tender process for the project will be completed by March 19, following which the design and other formalities will be finalized. This ambitious project, which is part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s dream initiative, received approval from the Union Cabinet, accelerating the groundwork for its execution.
Key Features of the Kedarnath Ropeway
The 13-km-long ropeway will be constructed in two phases:
- Phase 1: Gaurikund to Kedarnath (9.7 km)
- Phase 2: Sonprayag to Gaurikund (3.3 km)
Once operational, the ropeway will reduce the travel time from Gaurikund to Kedarnath to just 30 minutes, which currently takes several hours on foot. Initially, the ropeway will transport 1,800 passengers per hour, later increasing to 3,500 passengers per hour.
Government Initiative and Execution
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has assigned the project to National Highways Logistics Management Limited (NHLML). Over the past two years, surveys, including aerial and underground assessments, have been conducted from Sonprayag to Kedarnath in collaboration with local authorities and the Forest Department.
To facilitate the construction, 26 hectares of land have been acquired for the ropeway project. The ropeway will be supported by 22 towers and will feature specially designed gondolas built with modern technology to ensure safety and efficiency.
Five Major Ropeway Stations
The Kedarnath Ropeway will have five key stations:
- Sonprayag (Starting Point)
- Gaurikund
- Chirbasa (Technical Station)
- Lincholi (Technical Station)
- Kedarnath (Final Destination)
The Chirbasa and Lincholi stations will serve as emergency stations, ensuring a safe and smooth operation.
A Game Changer for Kedarnath Yatra
Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for this project on October 21, 2022, with the aim of making the Kedarnath pilgrimage easier and more accessible for millions of devotees. This project is expected to boost tourism and strengthen the local economy, making Kedarnath more accessible year-round.
With construction set to begin in October 2025, this ropeway is a historic development for Uttarakhand’s spiritual tourism, offering a faster, safer, and more convenient way for pilgrims to visit the holy Kedarnath shrine.
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