The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the development of a 12.9 km ropeway project from Sonprayag to Kedarnath under the National Ropeways Development Programme – Parvatmala Pariyojana. The project, set to be developed under the Design, Build, Finance, Operate, and Transfer (DBFOT) mode, will cost Rs 4,081.28 crore and will be implemented in a public-private partnership.
The ropeway will use the Tri-Cable Detachable Gondola (3S) technology, designed to carry 1,800 passengers per hour per direction, with a daily capacity of 18,000 passengers. This initiative aims to significantly reduce travel time from 8-9 hours to just 36 minutes, providing faster, environment-friendly, and comfortable connectivity to Kedarnath.
Apart from facilitating pilgrim convenience, the project is expected to boost employment in the hospitality, travel, food & beverage, and tourism sectors throughout the year. The ropeway will ensure all-weather connectivity to Kedarnath, a revered Jyotirlinga shrine located at an altitude of 3,583 meters in Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand. Currently, pilgrims reach the temple via a 16-km uphill trek from Gaurikund, using ponies, palanquins, or helicopters.
With over 20 lakh pilgrims visiting Kedarnath annually, the ropeway is expected to enhance last-mile connectivity, promote socio-economic development, and improve access to one of India’s most significant pilgrimage sites.
