Ropeway Project to Kedarnath

On 5th March 2025, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved the construction of a 12.9 km ropeway from Sonprayag to Kedarnath under the Design, Build, Finance, Operate, and Transfer (DBFOT) model, with a capital investment of Rs.4,081.28 crore.

Key Points

Faster & Safer Pilgrimage: The ropeway will reduce travel time from the current 8-9 hours to just 36 minutes, offering a safe and efficient alternative to the challenging 16-km trek from Gaurikund.
Modern Technology: The project will feature Tri-cable Detachable Gondola (3S) technology, enabling a design capacity of 1,800 passengers per hour in each direction, with a daily capacity of up to 18,000 passengers.
Boost to Pilgrimage Tourism: Kedarnath, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, attracts around 20 lakh pilgrims annually during its 6-7 month open season (April-May to October-November).
Public-Private Partnership: Developed in a PPP mode, the ropeway will provide all-weather connectivity, easing travel for devotees who currently rely on foot travel, ponies, palanquins, or helicopters.