Construction starts soon for ‘world’s longest’ ropeway in Kedarnath, tender floated

Dehradun: The world’s longest ropeway is soon to be built in Kedarnath, promising to make the journey to the revered Char Dham shrine faster and easier. The ropeway construction process has already begun, with tenders invited and a budget of Rs 956 crore allocated for the project.

This project will be completed in two phases. In the first phase, a 9.7 km long ropeway will be built from Gaurikund to Kedarnath shrine. The second phase will see the construction of a 3.3 km stretch between Sonprayag and Gaurikund.

Phase one: Gaurikund to Kedarnath shrine

In the first phase, a 9.7 km long ropeway will be constructed from Gaurikund to Kedarnath Dham. This development is aimed at facilitating the journey for thousands of pilgrims visiting from India and abroad. Currently, pilgrims must climb a steep 16 km trek from Gaurikund to Kedarnath, which can be challenging, especially for the elderly, children, and women.

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Phase two: Sonprayag to Kedarnath shrine

The second phase will see the construction of a 3.3 km stretch between Sonprayag and Gaurikund, connecting the entire route from Sonprayag to Kedarnath Dham. Located at an altitude of 11,657 feet above sea level in Rudraprayag district, the completed ropeway will make the journey to the temple much more accessible.

Preparations are in last leg

All necessary formalities, including aerial and underground surveys, have been completed. Major stations will be built at Sonprayag and Kedarnath Dham, with sub-stations at Gaurikund, Cheerbasa, and Lincholi. The Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has assigned the responsibility of constructing the ropeway to National Highway Logistics Management Limited (NHLML). Prashant Jain, additional vice-president, NHLML, said to News9live, “We have floated tender and once the company is assigned for the construction, we will commence the work.”

To make the journey easier, PM Modi envisioned ropeway in this area

For the last two years, over 1.5 million pilgrims have visited Kedarnath Dham each travel season. Many use horses, mules, or palanquins (dandi-kandi), while others face the challenging trek on foot. To make the journey easier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi included the ropeway project in his vision for development. According to District Tourism Officer of Rudraprayag, Rahul Chaubey, once the ropeway is operational, pilgrims will be able to reach Kedarnath Dham from Sonprayag in just 30 minutes. Currently, the journey on foot takes seven to eight hours or even longer.