Good news, people! On March 5, the Union Cabinet approved the Kedarnath ropeway project to enhance accessibility and tourism in the region. This project will be developed with a financial outlay of approximately ₹4,081 crore. They also gave a nod of approval to the Hemkund Sahib ropeway project, which will span 12.4 km. Scroll on to know more about both projects.
Union Cabinet Approves Kedarnath Ropeway Project
According to the Hindustan Times, the National Ropeways Development Programme will construct Parvatmala Pariyojana in Uttarakhand, a 12.9-kilometre ropeway from Sonprayag to Kedarnath. The ₹4,081 crore project will be developed under the Design, Build, Finance, Operate, and Transfer (DBFOT) mode.
Reportedly, it is being planned under a public-private partnership. The ropeway project will use the advanced tri-cable detachable gondola (3S) technology and will have the capacity to transport 1,800 passengers per hour in each direction. It will significantly reduce travel time in the area as well.
Currently, the strenuous 16-km uphill trek from Gaurikund takes up to nine hours on foot. You can also take ponies or palanquins, but they take long hours as well. Helicopter rides are an option, but it is rather expensive. The new ropeway service will cut this travel time down to just 36 minutes! The Cabinet believes it will be a faster, comfortable, and environmentally friendly alternative.
Also Read: Jammu Pilgrim Tourism Circuit: Beyond Vaishno Devi, Ropeways & Riverfronts To Entice Visitors
All About The Hemkund Sahib Ropeway Project
Besides Kedarnath’s ropeway, the Cabinet also approved the proposal for a second ropeway project from Govindghat to Hemkund Sahib. The 12.4-kilometre ropeway will follow the same DBFOT model and has an estimated capital cost of ₹2,730.13 crore. Much like Kedarnath, one has to take ponies, palanquins, or walk on foot to cover the difficult 21-kilometre uphill trek from Govindghat. The introduction of the ropeway will help the pilgrims and make travel easier for them.
Also Read: 18 Religious And Tourist Sites In India May Soon Get Ropeway Connectivity; DPR Requested By Govt
What are your thoughts on these ropeway projects in Uttarakhand? Let us know in the comments.
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva (representative image)