Kedarnath, one of India’s most revered and visited destinations, draws travellers for its snowy landscapes, trekking trails, and the sacred Lord Shiva temple. As the number of tourists is increasing, the government is planning a major infrastructure upgrade to make the journey safer, faster, and more comfortable. Scroll down to know more!
Twin-Tube Tunnel Project In Kedarnath
The government plans to build a 7 km twin-tube tunnel connecting Chaumasi in Kalimath Valley, near Guptkashi, to Sonprayag in Uttarakhand. According to The Times of India, Sonprayag is where the new ropeway to Kedarnath is expected to begin soon. This tunnel will make the journey faster and safer for pilgrims by giving them an easier alternative to the road.
Currently, all vehicles heading to Sonprayag and Gauri Kund use National Highway 107, a narrow one-lane road in the Kalimath Valley. Under the new plan, the Uttarakhand government will widen this road to two lanes. It will make it easier to manage the growing traffic, especially once the tunnel is operational.
Also Read: Kedarnath Dham Receives Season’s First Snowfall; Devotees Celebrate The Magical Himalayan View
Rising Pilgrim Numbers & Ropeway Project
The Union Road Transport Ministry recently held detailed discussions with the Uttarakhand government about these upgrades. The Times of India reported that last year, around 17.7 lakh pilgrims visited Kedarnath. Officials expect this number to rise to nearly 25 lakh by 2030, potentially reaching 40 lakh by 2040. As Kedarnath has already experienced some tragic incidents like the Silkyara tunnel mishap, the government will conduct thorough geological and hydrological studies before construction begins.
Adding to the excitement, the 12.9-km Sonprayag–Kedarnath ropeway project has been awarded to Adani Enterprises. The ropeway is expected to begin around 2031 and 2032, and will carry up to 1,800 pilgrims in just one hour. It will also allow pilgrims to complete the journey to Kedarnath in just 40 minutes. Devotees can expect their pilgrimage visit to be smoother than before.
How excited are you for these new projects in Kedarnath? Tell us in the comments below!
Also Read: Kedarnath Dham Gates Closed For Winter; Over 10,000 Devotees Gather For Closing Ritual
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Pro/ Andrey