Uttarakhand to Build Mega Ropeway Projects Worth ₹6,800 Cr

In a significant step towards enhancing tourism and pilgrimage connectivity in Uttarakhand, the National Highways Logistics Management Limited (NHLML), a special purpose vehicle under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, signed a memorandum of understanding with the Uttarakhand Tourism Department to develop two ambitious ropeway projects worth ₹6,800 crore.

The formal signing took place in the presence of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, Union Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways Ajay Tamta, and State Tourism, Religious Affairs and Culture Minister Satpal Maharaj.

Projects at a Glance

The two proposed ropeway projects are designed to connect some of the state’s most sacred and challenging pilgrimage destinations:

• Sonprayag–Kedarnath Ropeway (12.9 km)
  Estimated to cost ₹4,100 crore, this ropeway will significantly cut down the travel time for pilgrims visiting Kedarnath, one of the Char Dham shrines. Currently, the trek to the temple is arduous and time-intensive, often taking several hours. The ropeway promises to provide a safer, faster, and more comfortable journey for devotees.
• Govindghat–Hemkund Sahib Ropeway (12.4 km)
  With a projected cost of ₹2,700 crore, this ropeway will connect Govindghat to the revered Hemkund Sahib, a major Sikh pilgrimage site. It is also expected to provide easier access to the Valley of Flowers, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its breathtaking alpine meadows.

Strengthening Tourism and Economy

The ropeways are expected to transform the travel experience in Uttarakhand, not only by easing access to remote shrines but also by strengthening the state’s economy. With faster and more reliable connectivity, these projects are likely to attract more tourists, extend the travel season, and boost local businesses in the hospitality and transport sectors.

Adventure and cultural tourism in the state will also benefit, as easier accessibility to high-altitude religious and natural sites will draw a wider range of visitors, including international tourists seeking both spirituality and scenic beauty.

A Vision for Sustainable Travel

According to state officials, these ropeway projects are being planned with a focus on sustainability and safety. By reducing dependency on traditional trekking routes and vehicular transport, the ropeways are expected to lower environmental pressures in ecologically sensitive areas while ensuring safer movement of pilgrims.

The partnership between NHLML and the Uttarakhand Tourism Department marks a historic milestone in the state’s journey towards modern, sustainable, and inclusive tourism development. Once completed, the ropeways will stand as engineering marvels, reshaping pilgrimage travel and reinforcing Uttarakhand’s identity as both a spiritual and adventure tourism hub.