NEW DELHI: The Indian government has approved two significant ropeway projects in Uttarakhand, aimed at enhancing pilgrimage accessibility and strengthening the stateโs tourism-driven economy. The Sonprayag to Kedarnath and Govindghat to Hemkund Sahib ropeways are expected to revolutionize travel to these sacred destinations, reducing arduous treks to mere minutes while boosting local businesses and employment.
Sonprayag to Kedarnath Ropeway: A Game-Changer for Pilgrims
Kedarnath, one of the holiest shrines in Hinduism, currently requires an 8-9 hour trek or a costly helicopter ride from Sonprayag. The 13 km-long ropeway, once completed, will cut the travel time to just 36 minutes. This is particularly significant for elderly devotees, those with health conditions, and tourists looking for a more convenient travel option.
The project is also expected to streamline crowd management, reducing congestion on the trekking route and minimizing the environmental impact of foot traffic on the fragile Himalayan ecosystem.
Govindghat to Hemkund Sahib Ropeway: Strengthening Sikh Pilgrimage & Tourism
The 12.4 km-long ropeway to Hemkund Sahib, one of the most revered Sikh pilgrimage sites, will drastically reduce the current day-long trek to about 45 minutes. Given Hemkund Sahibโs high-altitude location (4,632 meters), the trek is challenging even for seasoned hikers. The ropeway will make the shrine more accessible to devotees of all age groups, ensuring year-round connectivity and a safer alternative to the traditional route.
Additionally, this ropeway will enhance access to the Valley of Flowers, a UNESCO World Heritage site located nearby. This move is expected to attract more eco-tourists, creating new revenue streams for local businesses.
Significance of These Ropeways for Uttarakhand
Economic Growth & Job Creation
The construction and operation of these ropeways will generate thousands of jobs, from construction workers to tour operators, hospitality staff, and transport services. Increased tourism will boost local businesses, hotels, and handicraft industries.
Boost to Religious and Adventure Tourism
The projects align with Uttarakhandโs vision to position itself as a hub for religious and adventure tourism. By making these pilgrimage sites more accessible, the state anticipates a higher influx of domestic and international visitors.
Environmental Sustainability
Ropeways are a sustainable alternative to road construction in the Himalayas. They reduce carbon footprints, minimize deforestation, and prevent over-reliance on fuel-based transport, thus protecting Uttarakhandโs delicate ecosystem.
Increased Safety and Disaster Resilience
The ropeways will provide a safer alternative during extreme weather conditions. Landslides, flash floods, and heavy snowfall often make these trekking routes treacherous. Ropeways will ensure year-round connectivity without compromising on safety.
With Indiaโs push for infrastructure modernization, these ropeways mark a significant shift in how pilgrimages are conducted. The โน2,500 crore investment in these projects is expected to yield long-term economic and social benefits for Uttarakhand, strengthening its position as a global pilgrimage and tourism hotspot.
As construction progresses, these ropeways are poised to set a new benchmark for smart, sustainable, and inclusive travel, redefining the future of pilgrimage and mountain tourism in India.
