Kedarnath ropeway approved: Travel time cut from 9 hours to 36 minutes

The Indian government has sanctioned the long-awaited Kedarnath ropeway project, which will cut down devotees’ travel time to the holy shrine by a great extent.

The 8-9 hour trek or mule ride now will take only 36 minutes. This project is likely to benefit thousands of pilgrims annually.

“The Kedarnath ropeway project will be developed in a Design, Build, Finance, Operate and Transfer (DBFOT) mode at a total capital cost of 4,081.28 crore,” the government said in a statement.

The 12.9-kilometer-long ropeway project may prove to be a boon for pilgrims visiting Kedarnath, as it will reduce their travel time on the trekking route to approximately 36 minutes after spending hours in transit.

Cabinet approves 4,081 Crore Kedarnath Ropeway Project, reducing travel time from 8-9 hours to just 36 minutes! pic.twitter.com/8RPWdBuCC0Ashwini Vaishnaw (@AshwiniVaishnaw) March 5, 2025

The sanction of the Kedarnath ropeway is part of a greater plan to enhance religious tourism infrastructure in India. Other Char Dham destinations are also working on similar projects, making it easier for pilgrims.

KEY FEATURES OF THE PROJECTS:

The Kedarnath ropeway will be 12.9 km long and will connect Sonprayag with Kedarnath

The cost of the Kedarnath ropeway project is Rs 4,081.28 crore

The Hemkund Sahib ropeway will be 12.4 km long and will connect Govindghat with Hemkund Sahib

The cost of the Hemkund Sahib ropeway is Rs 2,730.13 crore

The two projects will be constructed on the Build, Operate, and Transfer (BOT) model

Kedarnath ropeway will be at a height of 3,583 meters above sea level and will be among the world’s longest ropeways

Sonprayag to Kedarnath travel time will be minimised to 60 minutes from a 6-7 hour trek

The Kedarnath ropeway is likely to cater to 3,600 people per hour in both directions

The Hemkund Sahib ropeway will cut travel time to 45 minutes from the present 12-hour hike
Ghangaria, the gateway to the Valley of Flowers National Park, will also gain from the Hemkund Sahib ropeway.

These projects aim to make pilgrimage travel easier, safer, and more accessible, especially for elderly and physically challenged devotees.