Dehradun: Uttarakhand is moving quickly to expand ropeway infrastructure, aiming to transform pilgrimage and tourism connectivity across the state.
Nearly
50 proposals are under consideration, but six projects have been marked as priority after a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Secretary Anand Vardhan.
All ropeway projects must secure approval from this committee
The meeting of the Steering Committee for Ropeway Development finalized steps to streamline approvals and fast-track construction. Vardhan stressed that all ropeway projects must secure approval from this committee to avoid duplication, as multiple agencies are preparing project reports.
He directed that the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) CEO, managed by the National Highway Logistics Management Limited, be appointed within a week. The first board meeting of the newly formed committee is expected by the end of this month.
Work orders have already been issued for the two high-demand routes for Kedarnath and Hemkund Sahib
Among the six selected projects, work orders have already been issued for the high-demand routes Sonprayag–Kedarnath (18 km) and Govindghat–Hemkund Sahib (12 km). These ropeways are expected to significantly reduce travel time for pilgrims visiting two of the most important shrines in Uttarakhand.
Many projects are in final approval stage
Other projects include the Kathgodam–Hanumangarhi Temple (Nainital) ropeway, which is in the final approval stage. Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) are being prepared for the Kanakchauri–Kartik Swami route, while tendering is underway for DPRs of the Rathal Barsu–Barnala (Uttarkashi) and the vital Joshimath–Auli–Gorson ropeways.
Ropeways are meant to give connectivity to million of pilgrims
The push for ropeway development is aimed at improving accessibility for the millions of visitors to the state. Over 50 lakh devotees undertake the Char Dham Yatra annually, a figure nearly matched by domestic tourism numbers. Ropeways are expected to ease travel, reduce congestion, and provide safer access to remote shrines and tourist sites.
Initial focus will be on six projects
Chief Secretary Vardhan emphasized that the initial focus will remain on these six projects, with detailed timelines prepared for every stage of the Kedarnath and Hemkund Sahib ropeway developments.
In a notable directive, he also ordered the inclusion of Kainchi Dham into the scope of the Kathgodam–Hanumangarhi project. “Given the rising crowds at Kainchi Dham, we must explore ropeway feasibility immediately,” Vardhan said, highlighting the need to plan for tourist site expansion over the next five to ten years.
Government is determined to fast-track ropeway projects
Officials acknowledged challenges such as securing environmental and wildlife clearances and transporting heavy machinery to remote construction sites. Despite these hurdles, the government is determined to fast-track ropeway projects to strengthen Uttarakhand’s position as a leading pilgrimage and tourism destination.
