Kedarnath and Hemkund Sahib Ropeways Approved Under Parvatmala
Why in the news
On 5 March 2025 the Union Cabinet cleared two ropeway projects in Uttarakhand to ease pilgrim access to Kedarnath and Hemkund Sahib.
Key facts
- The Sonprayag-Kedarnath ropeway is 12.9 km long and will cost ₹4,081.28 crore.
- It will use Tri-cable Detachable Gondola (3S) technology and carry 1,800 passengers per hour per direction.
- Travel time will fall from roughly 8 to 9 hours to about 36 minutes one way.
- The Govindghat-Hemkund Sahib Ji ropeway is 12.4 km long and will cost ₹2,730.13 crore, with capacity of 1,100 passengers per hour per direction.
- Both will be built in DBFOT mode (Design, Build, Finance, Operate and Transfer) through public-private partnership.
| Project | Length | Cost | Capacity per hour per direction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sonprayag-Kedarnath | 12.9 km | ₹4,081.28 crore | 1,800 |
| Govindghat-Hemkund Sahib Ji | 12.4 km | ₹2,730.13 crore | 1,100 |
About Parvatmala Pariyojana
Parvatmala Pariyojana is the National Ropeways Development Programme. The Hemkund Sahib route also gives access to the Valley of Flowers, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Prime Minister said the ropeways would save devotees’ time, and Home Minister Amit Shah said they would boost tourism and jobs.
Exam angle
- Remember that the scheme is Parvatmala Pariyojana under the ropeways programme.
- Know the DBFOT expansion and that it is a PPP model.
- Both projects are in Uttarakhand, with Hemkund Sahib in Chamoli district.