Pilgrims to Reach Kedarnath in 30 Minutes from Rudraprayag, World's Longest Ropeway Under Construction

Rudraprayag (The Uttam Hindu): Good news for pilgrims heading to Kedarnath. Visiting Lord Shiva is about to become easier. The process of connecting Kedarnath with a ropeway has begun. In the first phase, a 9.7 km long ropeway will be built from Gaurikund to Kedarnath for which tenders have been invited. The construction of the ropeway will make the journey for the millions of pilgrims visiting Kedarnath easier. Currently, pilgrims have to climb a steep 16 km route from Gaurikund to reach Kedarnath. A 13 km long ropeway from Sonprayag to Kedarnath, located at an altitude of 11,657 feet in Rudraprayag district is proposed.

This work will be completed in two phases. In the first phase, the ropeway will connect Gaurikund to Kedarnath, while the second phase will connect a 3.3 km stretch from Sonprayag to Gaurikund. A budget of ₹956 crore has been allocated for this project. The construction is expected to start soon once the tenders are approved as all formalities, including aerial and underground surveys have already been completed. Major stations will be built at Sonprayag and Kedarnath, while sub-stations will be set up at Gaurikund, Chhirbasa and Lincholi. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has entrusted the responsibility of constructing the ropeway to National Highway Logistics Management Limited.

Included in PM's Dream Project

In the last two years, over 15 lakh pilgrims have visited Kedarnath each travel season. A large number of them use horses, mules and palkis to reach the temple. However, elderly, children and women face many challenges while traveling on foot. Keeping this in mind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has included the project of connecting Kedarnath with a ropeway in his dream project. The land transfer process for the ropeway has also been completed.