Union Cabinet's Approval of Uttarakhand Ropeway Projects
The Union Cabinet has approved two significant ropeway projects in Uttarakhand, aimed at enhancing religious tourism and facilitating easier access for pilgrims traveling to Kedarnath and Hemkund Sahib.
Details of the Ropeway Projects
- Sonprayag to Kedarnath Ropeway:
- Distance: 12.9 kilometers
- Capital Cost: ₹4,081 crore
- Govindghat to Hemkund Sahib Ji Ropeway:
- Distance: 12.4 kilometers
- Investment: ₹2,730 crore
Both projects will be developed under the Design, Build, Finance, Operate, and Transfer (DBFOT) model, a public-private partnership approach.
Project Impact and Goals
The initiative is expected to provide all-weather last-mile connectivity, significantly reducing travel time:
- Kedarnath: Travel time reduced from 8-9 hours to 36 minutes.
- Hemkund Sahib: Travel time reduced to 42 minutes, offering relief from the current 21-km uphill trek.
Technological and Environmental Considerations
- The Hemkund Sahib project will use monocable detachable gondola (MDG) and tricable detachable gondola (3S) technology, designed to carry up to 11,000 passengers per day.
- The Kedarnath ropeway will fully employ 3S technology, accommodating 18,000 passengers per day.
- Environmental considerations have been addressed with consultations from relevant stakeholders.
Additional Cabinet Approvals
The Cabinet also approved modifications to the ₹3,880-crore Livestock Health and Disease Control Programme (LHDCP):
- Introduction of Pashu Aushadhi kendras for affordable veterinary medicines distribution, akin to the Jan Aushadi Yojana.
- Medicines to be distributed through PM Kisan Samridhi Kendras and cooperatives.
