From 9 Hours To Just 36 Minutes: Kedarnath Ropeway Set To Make Shiva Abode More Accessible

The foundation stone for the two ropeway projects in Uttarakhand were laid in October 2022 under the "Parvatmala Pariyojana", which aims to boost connectivity in the hilly areas and boost tourism.

Tourists take ropeway ride in Mussoorie.

Source : PTI

The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved two crucial ropeway projects in Uttarakhand—the Kedarnath ropeway project and the Hemkund Sahib ropeway project.

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, during a cabinet briefing on Wednesday, said that the government has approved the development of 12.4 km long ropeway project from Govindghat to Hemkund Sahib in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. He also announced the centre's approval to the 12.9 km ropeway project from Sonprayag to Kedarnath worth Rs 4,081 crore.

"The Cabinet approves development of 12.4 km long ropeway project from Govindghat to Hemkund Sahib Ji in Uttarakhand, under National Ropeways Development Programme – Parvatmala Pariyojana. The total capital cost of the project is Rs 2,730.13 crore," Vaishnaw told reporters.

The foundation stone for the two projects were laid in October 2022 under the "Parvatmala Pariyojana", which aims to boost connectivity in the hilly areas and boost tourism.

Kedarnath Ropeway To Reduce Journey From 9 Hours To 30 Minutes

The 12.9 km-long Kedarnath Ropeway project will connect Sonprayag to Kedarnath with an estimated investment of Rs 4,081 crore.

The ropeway project will connect Kedarnath, which is one of the 12 sacred Jyotirlingas dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is situated at an elevation of 3,583 metres in Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand.

VIDEO | Cabinet Briefing by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw (@AshwiniVaishnaw).

"The Cabinet has approved development of 12.9 km long ropeway project from Sonprayag to Kedarnath in Uttarakhand under National Ropeways Development Programme – Parvatmala Pariyojana. The total cost… pic.twitter.com/LyoGYTsRkl

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) March 5, 2025

Earlier, the pilgrims used to travel the 21 kilometre distance between Sonprayag and Kedarnath by trekking. A 5 km-road used to connect Sonprayag to Gaurikund and the remaining 16 km journey was done on foot. With the new project, the journey, which used to take 8-9 hours, would be reduced to 36 minutes.

The environment-friendly, comfortable and fast connectivity through the ropeway will facilitate travel for pilgrims throughout the 6 months of the yatra season.

Hemkund Sahib Ropeway Project To Increase Darshan Timings

The Union Cabinet also approved the development of 12.4 km long ropeway project from Govindghat to Hemkund Sahib in Uttarakhand.

Hemkund Sahib, located at an elevation of 15,000 feet in Chamoli district, is believed to have been the site where Guru Gobind Singh meditated. It is also famous as the meditation ground of Lord Ram's brother Lakshman. 

VIDEO | Cabinet Briefing by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw (@AshwiniVaishnaw).

"The Cabinet approves development of 12.4 km long ropeway project from Govindghat to Hemkund Sahib Ji in Uttarakhand, under National Ropeways Development Programme – Parvatmala Pariyojana. The total… pic.twitter.com/QUfMmMWe1i

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) March 5, 2025

The project is being developed under National Ropeways Development Programme – Parvatmala Pariyojana. 

The project, worth Rs 2,730.13 crore, will connect Govindghat to Hemkund Sahib. Earlier, the journey between Govindghat to Hemkund Sahib was 20 kilometres long and involved trekking through Ghangaria.

With the development of the ropeway, the travel time between Govindghat to Hemkund Sahib will be reduced to 42 minutes. Apart from reducing the travel time, the project would also increase the darshan timing from 4-5 hours to 10 hours a day. In 2023, around 1.77 lakh pilgrims visited the Hemkund Sahib during the season.