The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved two ropeway projects in Uttarakhand, totaling ₹6,811.41 crore, under the Parvatmala Pariyojana. The Sonprayag-Kedarnath ropeway, costing ₹4,081.28 crore, will accommodate 18,000 passengers daily, while the Govindghat-Hemkund Sahib Ji ropeway will extend 12.4 km.
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has recently approved two significant ropeway projects in Uttarakhand, with a combined investment of ₹6,811.41 crore. These projects, part of the Parvatmala Pariyojana initiative, aim to enhance connectivity to prominent pilgrimage sites and boost tourism in the region.
Project Details
- Sonprayag to Kedarnath Ropeway: This project involves constructing a 12.9 km ropeway from Sonprayag to Kedarnath, with an estimated cost of ₹4,081.28 crore. Designed to transport 1,800 passengers per hour per direction (PPHPD), it is expected to significantly reduce travel time for pilgrims and tourists.
- Govind Ghat to Hemkund Sahib Ropeway: Spanning approximately 12.5 km, this ropeway will connect Govind Ghat to Hemkund Sahib. The project is estimated at ₹2,730.23 crore and aims to facilitate easier access to the revered Sikh pilgrimage site, Hemkund Sahib.
Implementation and Funding
Both projects will be executed under the Design, Build, Finance, Operate, and Transfer (DBFOT) model, a public-private partnership framework that encourages private sector participation in infrastructure development. The substantial investment underscores the government’s commitment to improving infrastructure in hilly terrains, promoting tourism, and providing safer, more efficient transportation options for pilgrims and travelers.
Expected Benefits
The introduction of these ropeways is anticipated to bring several benefits:
- Reduced Travel Time: The ropeways will drastically cut down the time required to reach these pilgrimage sites, making the journey more comfortable and less time-consuming.
- Boost to Tourism: Enhanced accessibility is expected to attract more tourists, contributing to the local economy and creating employment opportunities during both the construction and operational phases.
- Environmental Conservation: By providing an alternative to road travel, the ropeways are expected to reduce vehicular traffic, thereby lowering carbon emissions and preserving the fragile ecosystem of the region.
Background and Previous Approvals
The approval of these projects aligns with previous initiatives to improve infrastructure in Uttarakhand. For instance, in 2022, the Uttarakhand State Wildlife Board approved ropeway projects for Kedarnath, Hemkund Sahib, and Chandidevi, indicating a consistent effort to enhance connectivity to key religious and tourist destinations.
The CCEA’s approval of these ropeway projects marks a significant step towards modernizing transportation infrastructure in Uttarakhand. By leveraging advanced technology and fostering public-private partnerships, the government aims to provide safer, faster, and more sustainable travel options, thereby boosting tourism and supporting the local economy.
Group Media Publication
Construction, Infrastructure and Mining
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