The sacred journey to the Kedarnath shrine is set to become significantly faster and more accessible. The Adani Group, through its flagship company Adani Enterprises (AEL), has been awarded a massive ₹4,081-crore contract to construct a new ropeway connecting Sonprayag and Kedarnath. This ambitious project, a part of the government’s ambitious National Ropeways Development Programme, promises to reduce the gruelling 8-9 hour trek to a mere 36-minute ride, transforming the pilgrimage experience for millions of devotees.
The 12.9-kilometer-long ropeway is being hailed as a major leap in connecting one of India’s most revered pilgrimage sites. Currently, pilgrims must undertake a challenging and physically demanding trek from Sonprayag, or more commonly from Gaurikund, to reach the Kedarnath temple. This new ropeway aims to bypass these difficulties, making the journey safer and more accessible for the elderly, disabled, and those with health conditions.
“This is a game-changer for spiritual tourism in Uttarakhand,” a government official stated. “The new ropeway will not only save time and effort but also ensure the safety of pilgrims, especially during adverse weather conditions. It’s a key part of our vision to make the Char Dham Yatra more inclusive and sustainable.”
The Sonprayag-Kedarnath ropeway will be developed on a public-private partnership (PPP) model. Under this agreement, Adani Enterprises will invest the full project cost of ₹4,081 crore. The company’s dedicated division, Adani Road Management & Ropeways Wing (RMRW), will oversee the project, which has a projected completion timeline of six years.
Once operational, Adani will manage and operate the ropeway for a period of 29 years on a revenue-sharing basis with National Highways Logistics Management Ltd. (NHLML), a special purpose vehicle of NHAI. This long-term arrangement ensures professional management and maintenance of this critical infrastructure.
The ropeway is being designed with state-of-the-art technology to handle a large volume of pilgrims. Key features of the project include:
- High Passenger Capacity: The ropeway is planned to have a capacity to carry 1,800 passengers per hour per direction. This high throughput is essential for managing the massive crowds that visit Kedarnath every year.
- Reduced Travel Time: The most significant benefit is the dramatic reduction in travel time. The 36-minute journey will replace the current 8-9 hour trek, allowing pilgrims to reach the shrine faster and with less physical strain.
- All-Weather Connectivity: The ropeway is expected to provide more reliable, all-weather connectivity compared to the existing trekking route, which is often closed or becomes dangerous during heavy rains and snowfall.
Beyond its spiritual significance, the new ropeway is expected to have a profound positive impact on the local economy. The project will generate numerous jobs during both the construction and operational phases. It is also likely to boost tourism by attracting a wider range of visitors who might have previously found the trek too challenging.
The increased footfall will benefit local businesses, including hotels, restaurants, and souvenir shops, contributing to the overall economic development of the region. The project is a key step towards modernizing the pilgrimage experience while preserving the sanctity of the sacred shrine.