Govindghat to Hemkund Sahib Ji Ropeway Project: A Major Connectivity Boost

The Government of India has approved the construction of a 12.4 km ropeway from Govindghat to Hemkund Sahib Ji in Uttarakhand under the National Ropeways Development Programme – Parvatmala Pariyojana. This significant project aims to provide all-weather, last-mile connectivity to one of the most revered pilgrimage sites in India while boosting tourism and local employment.

Key Highlights

• Approval & Cost: Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved the project with an estimated cost of ₹2,730.13 crore.
• Development Model: To be developed under the Design, Build, Finance, Operate, and Transfer (DBFOT) mode in a public-private partnership (PPP).
• Current Challenge: The journey to Hemkund Sahib Ji involves a 21 km steep uphill trek, currently covered on foot, ponies, or palanquins.

Technology Used

• Monocable Detachable Gondola (MDG): Govindghat to Ghangaria (10.55 km).
• Tricable Detachable Gondola (3S): Ghangaria to Hemkund Sahib Ji (1.85 km).
• Capacity: Designed to transport 1,100 passengers per hour per direction (PPHPD), facilitating 11,000 passengers per day.

Benefits of the Ropeway

• Improved Accessibility: Reduces travel time and eases the pilgrimage for elderly and disabled visitors.
• Boost to Tourism: Enhances access to Valley of Flowers, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Economic Growth: Creates employment in construction, operations, hospitality, travel, and tourism sectors.
• Environmental Sustainability: Reduces carbon footprint by minimizing reliance on ponies and foot traffic.

About Hemkund Sahib Ji

• A revered Sikh pilgrimage site at 15,000 ft in Chamoli district, Uttarakhand.
• The Gurudwara remains open for about 5 months (May to September) and attracts 1.5 to 2 lakh pilgrims annually.
• The trek also serves as the gateway to Valley of Flowers National Park, known for its rich biodiversity.

Summary/Static	Details
Why in the news?	Govindghat to Hemkund Sahib Ji Ropeway Project: A Major Connectivity Boost
Project Name	Govindghat to Hemkund Sahib Ji Ropeway
Approved By	Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA)
Total Length	12.4 km
Estimated Cost	₹2,730.13 crore
Development Mode	DBFOT (Public-Private Partnership)
Technology Used	MDG (10.55 km) & 3S (1.85 km)
Passenger Capacity	1,100 PPHPD, 11,000 passengers/day
Current Travel Challenge	21 km steep uphill trek
Tourism Impact	Boosts access to Hemkund Sahib Ji & Valley of Flowers
Employment Opportunities	Construction, operations, hospitality, tourism
Environmental Benefit	Reduces reliance on ponies, lowers carbon footprint
Hemkund Sahib Ji Altitude	15,000 ft in Chamoli district, Uttarakhand
Pilgrimage Season	May to September (5 months)
Annual Visitors	1.5 to 2 lakh pilgrims