New Delhi, 5 March : The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the construction of a 12.9 km ropeway project from Sonprayag to Kedarnath under the National Ropeways Development Programme – Parvatmala Pariyojana. The project will be developed in Design, Build, Finance, Operate, and Transfer (DBFOT) mode at a total capital cost of ₹4,081.28 crore.

The ropeway will be developed through a public-private partnership (PPP) and will use the advanced Tri-cable Detachable Gondola (3S) technology. It will have a design capacity of 1,800 passengers per hour per direction (PPHPD), accommodating up to 18,000 passengers daily.

Currently, pilgrims undertake a challenging 16-km uphill trek from Gaurikund to Kedarnath, which is covered on foot, by ponies, palanquins, or helicopters. The proposed ropeway will provide all-weather connectivity and reduce travel time from 8-9 hours to just 36 minutes, offering a comfortable, eco-friendly, and faster alternative for devotees.

Apart from improving accessibility, the ropeway project will create substantial employment opportunities during its construction and operation, while boosting tourism, hospitality, and allied industries like travel and food & beverages (F&B).

Kedarnath, one of the 12 sacred Jyotirlingas, is situated at an elevation of 3,583 m (11,968 ft) in Rudraprayag district, Uttarakhand. The temple remains open for 6 to 7 months annually, from Akshaya Tritiya (April-May) to Diwali (October-November), attracting around 20 lakh pilgrims each season.

This transformative infrastructure project is set to enhance last-mile connectivity, foster socio-economic development, and accelerate economic growth in the region.