In the high Himalayas, where narrow roads hug sheer cliffs and long treks often test even the most determined pilgrims, a quiet revolution is underway. With the launch of the Parvatmala: National Ropeways Development Programme, Uttarakhand is poised to usher in a new era of eco-friendly, efficient, and scenic travel. As ropeway towers rise across the rugged landscape, they are not only connecting destinations but also redefining the future of tourism in the state.
From Treacherous Treks to Aerial Access
The holy sites of Kedarnath and Hemkund Sahib—once accessible only after gruelling uphill treks—are the cornerstones of this transformation. The Union Cabinet has greenlit two of India’s most prestigious ropeway projects: a 12.9 km ropeway from Sonprayag to Kedarnath and a 12.4 km ropeway from Govindghat to Hemkund Sahib Ji, with a combined investment of ₹6,811 crore.
Once completed, the Kedarnath ropeway will slash travel time from 8–9 hours to just 36 minutes using cutting-edge tri-cable gondola technology, transporting 1,800 passengers per hour in each direction. Similarly, the Hemkund Sahib ropeway will replace a tough 21-km hike with a combination of mono-cable and tri-cable gondolas, moving up to 11,000 pilgrims daily through some of the most breathtaking terrain in the country.
These projects, executed in a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) mode by National Highway Logistics Management Limited (NHLML), are not just about improving accessibility. They are part of a broader plan to build 49 ropeways across the state—each designed to boost tourism, create jobs, and bring remote regions into the mainstream economy.
Ropeways: A Game-Changer for Hill Transport
Travel in mountainous terrain has always been a challenge. Roads are costly to build and prone to landslides, while air and rail networks remain limited. Ropeways, by contrast, offer an elegant solution: they glide effortlessly over rivers, gorges, and forests, require minimal land use, and are remarkably energy-efficient.
The Parvatmala programme, launched in the Union Budget 2022, seeks to develop 250 ropeway projects covering 1,200 km within five years across India’s hill states. In Uttarakhand, the ropeways are being strategically developed to address both pilgrimage and adventure tourism needs, enabling last-mile connectivity to destinations that were once accessible only to the fit and faithful.
Moreover, these ropeways are aligned with the ‘Make in India’ initiative, with at least 50% indigenous components used in construction. The projects are expected to generate large-scale employment in construction, maintenance, and tourism services, bolstering the local economy.
Expanding the Network: From Char Dham to Hill Towns
The Kedarnath and Hemkund Sahib projects are just the beginning. Uttarakhand has proposed 47 more ropeways to the Centre, covering not just spiritual circuits but also scenic and offbeat destinations across districts like Tehri, Almora, Chamoli, Bageshwar, and Pithoragarh.
Pre-feasibility studies are underway for routes such as Sankri to Kedarkantha, Rishikesh to Narendra Nagar, Mussoorie to Kempty Falls, and Kasar Devi to Almora. Others include connections to Tungnath, Madmaheshwar Dham, and even high-altitude bugyals like Auli.
The Kathgodam to Hanuman Garhi ropeway, linking the foothills to the lake town of Nainital, is already in advanced stages of planning. In cities like Dehradun and Rishikesh, ropeways are being considered not just for tourism, but as viable urban mobility solutions.
With the ropeways in place, travel to Uttarakhand’s religious and scenic sites will become more inclusive. Elderly pilgrims, families with young children, and international visitors will be able to access sites that previously required high physical endurance. Reduced travel time means tourists can explore more places in a single trip—boosting stay durations and spending in the region.
Officials expect ropeways to ease congestion on the Char Dham Yatra routes and reduce the carbon footprint in ecologically sensitive zones. The views from gondolas—gliding over lush forests, alpine meadows, and snow-capped peaks—will add a new experiential layer to travel itself.
Elevating Uttarakhand’s Tourism Horizon
Tenders for major ropeways like Kedarnath and Hemkund have already been floated. The Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the Kathgodam-Nainital stretch is ready, and construction on Kedarnath is expected to begin by October 2025.
The long-term vision includes using ropeways to open up remote valleys to trekking, skiing, and cultural tourism. Places like Dwarahat, Chaukhutia, Mukhem, and Bhimtal—long overlooked due to poor connectivity—are now within reach. In total, pre-feasibility assessments are planned for over 30 additional ropeway routes across the state.
Uttarakhand’s ropeway revolution, powered by the Parvatmala initiative, is set to elevate the state’s tourism and economic landscape to new heights. By seamlessly blending infrastructure with environmental sensitivity, these projects are transforming how people experience the Himalayas—not as distant dreams, but as accessible, awe-inspiring realities.
As gondolas begin to glide above ancient trails and sacred rivers, they carry more than just passengers—they carry the promise of prosperity, inclusivity, and a more sustainable future for Uttarakhand.
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