Kedarnath Ropeway Receives Approval: Reducing Travel Time from 9 Hours to 36 Minutes

The Indian government has approved the much-anticipated Kedarnath ropeway project, significantly reducing devotees' travel time to the sacred shrine.

In a major boost for pilgrimage tourism, the Kedarnath ropeway project has been approved, significantly reducing travel time from 9 hours to 36 minutes. This ambitious project, set to enhance accessibility to one of India’s holiest shrines, aims to provide devotees with a smoother and more comfortable journey.

The Kedarnath ropeway will stretch approximately 12.9 kilometers from Sonprayag to Kedarnath, making it one of the longest such projects in the world. This project, led by the Uttarakhand government in collaboration with private stakeholders, will be developed in a Design, Build, Finance, Operate, and Transfer (DBFOT) mode costing Rs 4,081.28 crore.

At present, devotees either hike the challenging 16 km uphill route or rely on ponies, palanquins, and helicopter services. The ropeway is expected to ease the arduous trek that pilgrims undertake, especially during the annual Char Dham Yatra.

Likely to cater to 3,600 people per hour in both directions, the ropeway will serve as a faster alternative and will offer safer and more weather-resilient travel. Authorities believe this will make the pilgrimage more accessible to elderly devotees and those with physical limitations.

The project aligns with the government’s vision to modernize religious tourism infrastructure while preserving the region’s ecological balance. Special care will be taken to minimize environmental impact during construction. Once operational, the ropeway is expected to accommodate thousands of passengers daily, boosting tourism and providing economic opportunities for local communities.

Pilgrims and tourists alike have welcomed the decision, seeing it as a game-changer for spiritual tourism in Uttarakhand. The Kedarnath ropeway is set to redefine travel to the sacred temple, offering a seamless blend of faith, convenience, and breathtaking views of the majestic Himalayas. Authorities expect the project to be completed within the next few years, marking a new era in pilgrimage travel.