Uttarakhand signs ₹6,800 crore deal for ropeway projects to Kedarnath and Hemkund Sahib

The National Highways Logistics Management Limited, a special purpose vehicle under the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways inked an agreement with Tourism Uttarakhand to develop two major ropeway projects valued at ₹6,800 crore on September 2.

The projects include a 12.9-kilometre ropeway between Sonprayag and Kedarnath at an estimated cost of ₹4,100 crore, and a 12.4-kilometre link from Govindghat to Hemkund Sahib costing around ₹2,700 crore. Authorities said the initiatives are expected to enhance connectivity, ease travel for pilgrims, and give a boost to the state’s economy through tourism.

The signing ceremony was attended by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, Union Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways Ajay Tamta, and state tourism, religious affairs and culture minister Satpal Maharaj.

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Speaking at the event, CM Dhami said the projects would highlight Uttarakhand’s cultural and spiritual heritage on the global stage. “This agreement will give global recognition to the state’s religious and cultural heritage and will provide new direction to tourism, employment generation, and environmental conservation,” PTI quoted him as saying.

Union Minister Ajay Tamta hailed the initiative as a landmark step. “This is a significant day in terms of ropeway development in the state,” he said, adding that the projects would make pilgrimages to Kedarnath and Hemkund Sahib considerably accessible.

Tourism minister Satpal Maharaj echoed the sentiment, observing: “This agreement will play an important role in the development of tourism in the state.”

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Tourism is a key driver of Uttarakhand’s economy, with millions of domestic and international visitors arriving each year to explore its religious sites, adventure sports, and scenic landscapes. The Char Dham Yatra, wildlife reserves such as Jim Corbett National Park, and trekking routes in the Himalayas remain top attractions.

In recent years, the state government has placed a strong emphasis on sustainable tourism, aiming to balance economic growth with the preservation of its fragile mountain ecosystem. Officials believe that improved connectivity, such as the planned ropeways, will make travel safer and more efficient while supporting livelihoods in remote areas.