How ropeway project from Govindghat to Hemkund Sahib Ji in Uttarakhand facilitate pilgrims & tourists

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has approved the construction of 12.4 km ropeway project from Govindghat to Hemkund Sahib Ji in Uttarakhand. The project will be developed on Design, Build, Finance, Operate and Transfer (DBFOT) mode at a total capital cost of Rs. 2,730.13 crore.

Currently, the journey to the Hemkund Sahib Ji is a challenging 21-km uphill trek from Govindghat and is covered on foot or by ponies or palanquins. The proposed ropeway is planned to provide convenience to pilgrims and visiting the Hemkund Sahib Ji and the tourists visiting the Valley of Flowers and will ensure all-weather last mile connectivity between Govindghat and Hemkund Sahib Ji.

The ropeway is planned to be developed in public-private partnership and will use latest technology with a design capacity of 1,100 passengers per hour per direction (PPHPD) carrying 11,000 passengers per day.

Journey would be reduced to 36 minutes

Earlier, the pilgrims used to travel the 21 kilometre distance between Sonprayag and Kedarnath by trekking. A 5 km-road used to connect Sonprayag to Gaurikund and the remaining 16 km journey was done on foot. With the new project, the journey, which used to take 8-9 hours, would be reduced to 36 minutes.

Will also generate employment opportunities 

The ropeway project will also generate substantial employment opportunities during construction and operations as well as in allied tourism industries like hospitality, travel, foods & beverages (F&B) and tourism throughout the year.

The development of ropeway project is a significant step towards fostering balanced socio-economic development, enhancing last mile connectivity for pilgrims and fostering rapid economic growth of the region.

Hemkund Sahib Ji is a highly revered pilgrimage site situated at an elevation of 15,000 ft in Chamoli district of the State of Uttarakhand. The Gurudwara established at the holy site is open for about 5 months in a year between May and September and is visited by about 1.5 to 2 lakh pilgrims annually. 

The trek to Hemkund Sahib Ji also serves as the gateway to the famous Valley of Flowers, a national park recognized as the UNESCO World Heritage site, located in the pristine Garhwal Himalayas.