The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has given the green light for the construction of two major ropeway projects in Uttarakhand, aiming to provide seamless connectivity to prominent pilgrimage sites and boost regional economic development.
Govindghat to Hemkund Sahib Ji Ropeway (12.4 km):
- Project Details: The 12.4 km ropeway from Govindghat to Hemkund Sahib Ji will be developed on the Design, Build, Finance, Operate and Transfer (DBFOT) mode at a capital cost of ₹2,730.13 crore.
- Current Situation: Pilgrims currently undertake a challenging 21-km uphill trek from Govindghat to Hemkund Sahib Ji.
- Technology: The ropeway will utilize Monocable Detachable Gondola (MDG) technology from Govindghat to Ghangaria (10.55 km) and Tricable Detachable Gondola (3S) technology from Ghangaria to Hemkund Sahib Ji (1.85 km), designed to carry 1,100 passengers per hour per direction.
- Benefits: The project promises convenience for pilgrims and tourists visiting the Valley of Flowers, ensuring all-weather connectivity and generating substantial employment opportunities in allied industries.
Sonprayag to Kedarnath Ropeway (12.9 km):
- Project Details: The 12.9 km ropeway from Sonprayag to Kedarnath will also be developed on the DBFOT mode with a capital cost of ₹4,081.28 crore.
- Current Situation: Pilgrims endure a 16-km uphill trek from Gaurikund to Kedarnath, often opting for ponies, palanquins, or helicopter rides.
- Technology: Utilizing the advanced Tri-cable Detachable Gondola (3S) technology, the ropeway is designed to carry 1,800 passengers per hour per direction.
- Benefits: This project will reduce travel time from 8-9 hours to approximately 36 minutes, provide environment-friendly and fast connectivity, and create substantial employment opportunities in the region.
Significance:
- Economic Impact: Both projects are expected to foster balanced socio-economic development, enhance last-mile connectivity, and stimulate rapid economic growth.
- Pilgrimage and Tourism: Hemkund Sahib Ji and Kedarnath are significant pilgrimage sites, drawing lakhs of visitors annually. The ropeways will facilitate easier access and improve the overall experience for pilgrims and tourists.
The approved projects underscore the government’s commitment to improving infrastructure in hilly regions and promoting sustainable tourism.
