Cabinet okays Hemkund Sahib, Kedarnath ropeway projects; cutting travel time from 8-9 hours to 36 minutes
PTC News Desk: Union Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved Kedarnath ropeway and Hemkund Sahib ropeway projects.
The ropeway projects will be a boon to the pilgrims visiting Kedarnath as it would provide an environment-friendly, comfortable and fast connectivity and reduce travel time in one direction from about 8 to 9 hours to about 36 minutes. The development of ropeway project is a significant step towards fostering balanced socio-economic development, enhancing last - mile connectivity in hilly regions and fostering rapid economic growth.
The Kedanath project spanning 12.9 kms will be constructed with a financial outlay of approximately Rs 4,081 crore while the Hemkund Sahib project will cost around Rs 2,730 crore.
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.
- With inputs from agencies
