The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved the construction of a 12.9 km ropeway connecting Sonprayag to Kedarnath in Uttarakhand. Announced on 5 March 2025, this ambitious project aims to improve accessibility to one of India’s most sacred pilgrimage sites.
Kedarnath Ropeway: Key Project Details
- Project Type: Design, Build, Finance, Operate, and Transfer (DBFOT) Model
- Estimated Cost: ₹4,081.28 crore
- Technology Used: Tri-Cable Detachable Gondola (3S)
- Capacity: 1,800 passengers per hour (each direction)
- Daily Passenger Limit: Up to 18,000 pilgrims
Kedarnath: A Sacred Pilgrimage Destination
Kedarnath, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, is located at an altitude of 3,583 meters (11,968 feet) in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand. The Kedarnath Temple is open for 6 to 7 months each year, from Akshaya Tritiya (April-May) to Diwali (October-November), attracting around 20 lakh pilgrims annually.
How the Ropeway Will Benefit Pilgrims
Currently, the journey to Kedarnath involves a 16-km uphill trek from Gaurikund, which can take 8 to 9 hours on foot. Pilgrims often rely on ponies, palanquins, or helicopter services for assistance.
With the new Sonprayag-Kedarnath Ropeway, the travel time will be drastically reduced to just 36 minutes.
