The world-famous Kedarnath shrine, one of the four holy sites of Uttarakhand, is set to get a ropeway for devotees. Preparations are progressing rapidly, with the central government completing the tender process for the ₹4,000 crore project. A leading Indian company has been awarded the contract to build the 12.9 km ropeway in five years and operate it for 29 years. Ground surveys and related work are nearly complete.
Ropeway Will Cover Sonprayag to Kedarnath in 40 Minutes
According to Tourism Minister Satpal Maharaj, the ropeway will extend from Sonprayag to Kedarnath. Currently, the 16 km trek takes devotees 8 to 9 hours on foot. With the new Monocable Detachable Gondola (MCGD) technology, the journey will be completed in just 35–40 minutes, offering a modern, efficient travel solution.
Why the Ropeway is Needed
During the Chardham Yatra season, around 1.5–2 million pilgrims visit Kedarnath. Rain, landslides, and limited transport options like foot treks, mules, and helicopters make the journey difficult. The ropeway promises to provide a safer and smoother pilgrimage experience, potentially increasing the number of devotees and boosting local tourism.
Environmentalists Raise Concerns
Environmentalists, however, warn about the fragile mountain ecosystem. Rajiv Nayan Bahuguna, son of renowned activist Sunderlal Bahuguna, argues that large-scale construction with heavy machinery may threaten Kedarnath’s ecology. He cautioned that Uttarakhand has faced multiple natural disasters in recent years, and such experiments on the mountains could worsen the situation.
Government’s Stand
Tourism Minister Satpal Maharaj assured that the project will not harm the environment. He said that ropeway travel would reduce helicopter traffic, thereby lowering carbon emissions. He emphasized that the project will create employment opportunities and improve the pilgrimage experience. The minister also revealed plans for a future ropeway to Hemkund Sahib.
Opposition and Expert Views
Former Chief Minister Harish Rawat claimed that the ropeway idea was first conceived during the UPA government, with a plan to stop at Gaurikund to benefit local traders. Geologist Brahm Dutt Joshi also criticized the use of heavy machinery and dynamite in mountain construction, citing the Joshimath land subsidence crisis and recurring disasters in Kedarnath as warnings.
Local Expectations
Locals are hopeful that the ropeway will bring more pilgrims and expand employment and tourism opportunities. Currently, limited travel through foot treks and mules restricts economic benefits.
A Historic but Sensitive Project
The Kedarnath Ropeway Project is being hailed as a historic step for Uttarakhand. While it promises easier access to the holy shrine, experts stress the need to carefully monitor its impact on the environment and local culture in the years ahead.
