Sonprayag to Kedarnath Ropeway Project: Transforming Pilgrimage Connectivity

The Government of India has approved the construction of a 12.9 km ropeway from Sonprayag to Kedarnath under the National Ropeways Development Programme – Parvatmala Pariyojana. This initiative aims to provide all-weather, last-mile connectivity to the revered Kedarnath Temple, significantly reducing travel time while boosting tourism and employment in the region.

Key Highlights

• Approval & Cost: Sanctioned by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) with an estimated ₹4,081.28 crore investment.
• Development Mode: Public-Private Partnership (PPP) under Design, Build, Finance, Operate, and Transfer (DBFOT) mode.
• Technology Used: Tri-cable Detachable Gondola (3S), an advanced ropeway system.
• Passenger Capacity: Designed to transport 1,800 passengers per hour per direction (PPHPD), facilitating 18,000 passengers per day.
• Time Reduction: Cuts travel time from 8-9 hours to just 36 minutes.

Benefits of the Ropeway

• Improved Accessibility: Easier and safer alternative to the 16-km uphill trek from Gaurikund.
• Pilgrim Convenience: Provides comfortable, fast, and eco-friendly travel to Kedarnath.
• Tourism Boost: Enhances access to Kedarnath Dham, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas.
• Economic Growth: Generates employment in construction, operations, hospitality, and tourism.
• Environmental Sustainability: Reduces dependence on ponies, palanquins, and helicopters, lowering carbon footprint.

About Kedarnath Temple

• One of the 12 Jyotirlingas, situated at 3,583 meters (11,968 ft) in Rudraprayag district, Uttarakhand.
• Temple remains open for 6-7 months (April-May to October-November).
• Attracts 20 lakh pilgrims annually during the season.