An agreement has been reached for two रोपवे projects worth Rs 6,800 crore in Uttarakhand. The construction of the Sonprayag-Kedarnath (12.9 km) and Govindghat-Hemkund Sahib (12.4 km) ropeways will facilitate passenger travel. The 9-hour journey to Kedarnath will now be completed in just 36 minutes. These projects are expected to provide new impetus to tourism, employment, and the state's economy.
Dehradun: On Tuesday, National Highways Logistics Management Limited and the Uttarakhand Tourism Department signed an agreement for the development of two रोपवे projects worth Rs 6,800 crore. Under this agreement, a 12.9 km long Sonprayag-Kedarnath रोपवे will be built at a cost of Rs 4,100 crore, and a 12.4 km long Govindghat-Hemkund Sahib रोपवे will be constructed at a cost of Rs 2,700 crore. This agreement, signed in the presence of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, Union Minister of State Ajay Tamta, and Minister Satpal Maharaj, will reduce the travel time to Kedarnath from 9 hours to just 36 minutes. These projects will promote tourism, employment, and environmental conservation.
Agreement Reached on Two Major Ropeway Projects
The first of these two projects will be constructed from Sonprayag to Kedarnath Dham. This रोपवे will be 12.9 kilometers long and is estimated to cost Rs 4100 crore.
The second project will be built from Govindghat to Hemkund Sahib, with a length of 12.4 kilometers and an estimated cost of Rs 2700 crore. The total investment for both these projects combined will be Rs 6800 crore.
Prominent Leaders Present During the Agreement
The agreement was signed in the presence of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, Union Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways Ajay Tamta, and Uttarakhand's Minister for Tourism, Culture, and Religious Affairs, Satpal Maharaj.
Chief Minister Dhami stated that these projects will not only give a new identity to the state's religious and cultural heritage but also boost employment and economic strength by promoting tourism. Ajay Tamta described it as a historic day for Uttarakhand, adding that this step towards रोपवे connectivity in the state will chart a new course.
Approval Received from the Cabinet Earlier
The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, had approved these two projects in March this year. Both projects will be part of the 'Parvatmala' project. The government's objective is to make travel in high-altitude areas safe, fast, and convenient.
Kedarnath Journey Now Only 36 Minutes
Kedarnath Temple is situated at an altitude of 3583 meters above sea level and is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. Currently, pilgrims have to travel from Sonprayag to Gaurikund and then undertake a strenuous 16-kilometer trek. Pilgrims reach the temple by foot, pony, palanquin, and sometimes by helicopter. This journey takes 8 to 9 hours. However, with the construction of the रोपवे, this distance will be covered in just 36 minutes.
Easy Travel to Hemkund Sahib
The second major project will be constructed from Govindghat to Hemkund Sahib. Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara is located at an altitude of 15,000 feet and this prominent Sikh pilgrimage site attracts millions of devotees every year.
Currently, travelers have to undertake a long climb to reach here. However, with the construction of the रोपवे, this journey will become significantly easier, and the number of devotees is also expected to increase rapidly.
Strengthening Tourism and the Economy
Tourism plays a significant role in Uttarakhand's economy. The state's religious and natural beauty attracts crores of tourists every year.
However, due to difficult terrains and adverse weather conditions, travelers often face difficulties. The new रोपवे projects will not only provide convenience to travelers but also give a new impetus to the state's tourism industry. This will lead to increased employment in sectors such as hotels, transport, local businesses, and handicrafts.
Focus on Environmental Conservation Too
Experts believe that these projects will also promote environmental conservation. Currently, foot and pony travel puts considerable pressure on mountain trails, causing environmental damage. Making travel easier via रोपवे will help maintain ecological balance.
Employment Opportunities for Local People
Upon completion of the projects, new employment opportunities will be created for the local youth. Thousands of people are expected to gain direct and indirect employment in रोपवे operations, tourism-related businesses, and other ancillary activities.
