Cabinet Approval for Ropeway Projects in Uttarakhand
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has sanctioned two significant ropeway projects under the Parvatmala Pariyojana in Uttarakhand, focusing on enhancing connectivity and promoting tourism in challenging terrains.
Project Details
- Sonprayag-Kedarnath Ropeway
- Length: 12.9 km
- Total Capital Cost: ₹4,081.28 crore
- Design Capacity: 1,800 passengers per hour per direction (PPHPD)
- Daily Passenger Capacity: 18,000
- Travel Time Reduction: From 8-9 hours to approximately 36 minutes
- Govindghat-Hemkund Sahib Ji Ropeway
- Length: 12.4 km
- Total Capital Cost: ₹2,730.13 crore
- Design Capacity: 1,100 PPHPD
- Daily Passenger Capacity: 11,000
Technology and Implementation
- Sonprayag-Kedarnath ropeway will employ the advanced tricable detachable gondola (3S) technology.
- The Hemkund Sahib Ji ropeway will integrate monocable detachable gondola (MDG) technology for the Govindghat to Ghangaria stretch and 3S technology from Ghangaria to Hemkund Sahib Ji.
Impact and Benefits
- Projects to be executed in public-private partnership (PPP) mode.
- Significant employment generation during construction and operations.
- Enhanced socio-economic development and last-mile connectivity for pilgrims.
- Promotion of rapid economic growth in the region.
Strategic Significance
These initiatives, announced in the 2022-23 budget by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, are part of the national ropeways development programme, promoting ecologically sustainable transportation alternatives in hilly areas over conventional roads. They aim to alleviate congestion in urban areas and improve overall connectivity and convenience for commuters, thereby boosting tourism.
