Ropeway project illustration. Representative image
Credit: X/@PIB_India
New Delhi: The Centre on Wednesday approved the proposal of constructing two ropeway projects connecting to India's top religious places in Uttarakhand district - Sonprayag to Kedarnath (12.9 km) and Govindghat to Hemkund Sahib Ji (12.4 km) - at a total cost of Rs 6,811 crore.
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi took the decision.
The ropeway projects will be developed in the public-private partnership under Design, Build, Finance, Operate and Transfer (DBFOT) mode and time period of around 4-6 years would be required for the work to be completed.
The project will be based on the most advanced tri-cable detachable gondola (3S) technology, Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw told media people after the CCEA.
The construction of a 12.9-km ropeway from Sonprayag to Kedarnath will be done in the design, build, finance, operate and transfer (DBFOT) mode at a total cost of Rs 4,081.28 crore.
The ropeway, having capacity to carry 1,800 passengers per hour per direction (PPHPD), which could ferry 18,000 passengers per day, will be constructed, the minister said.
The ropeway project will be a boon to the pilgrims visiting Kedarnath as it reduces travel time in one direction from about 8 to 9 hours to about 36 minutes.
The journey to the Kedarnath temple is a challenging 16 km uphill trek from Gaurikund and is currently covered on foot or by ponies, palanquins and helicopter.
The proposed ropeway is planned to provide convenience to pilgrims visiting the temple and ensure all-weather connectivity between Sonprayag and Kedarnath.
Vaishnaw informed that the 12.4-km ropeway project from Govindghat to Hemkund Sahib Ji too will be constructed 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 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.