Adani Group Begins Construction of 13 km Ropeway in Kedarnath
The sacred journey to Kedarnath is all set to become easier and faster. The Adani Group has started work on a massive ropeway project that will drastically reduce travel time for pilgrims. With an investment of around ₹4,081 crore, this 13-kilometer-long Kedarnath Ropeway Project will soon allow devotees to reach the shrine in just 36 minutes—a journey that currently takes nearly nine hours on foot.
A Dream Come True for Kedarnath Pilgrims
For millions of devotees who undertake the difficult trek to the holy Kedarnath Temple every year, this project brings a wave of relief. Once completed, the ropeway will transform the way pilgrims reach one of India’s most revered shrines, located high in the Himalayas.
According to official information shared by Adani Enterprises Limited (AEL), the company has received a Letter of Award (LoA) from the National Highways Logistics Management Limited (NHLML) to build the ropeway connecting Sonprayag to Kedarnath. The project will be executed by AEL’s Roads, Metro, Rail, and Water (RMRW) division.
A Modern Engineering Marvel in the Himalayas
The Kedarnath Ropeway will stretch 12.9 kilometers through rugged mountain terrain, making it one of India’s longest and most challenging ropeways. Designed to handle extreme Himalayan weather, it will also offer breathtaking views of snow-clad peaks and valleys.
Once operational, the ropeway will have the capacity to transport up to 1,800 passengers per hour in one direction, ensuring smooth and efficient movement of pilgrims during the busy Char Dham Yatra season. The project is expected to take around six years to complete.
Transforming a Challenging Trek into a Comfortable Journey
At present, devotees trekking from Sonprayag to Kedarnath often spend 8–9 hours walking or riding mules across steep and uneven paths. Weather challenges, landslides, and physical exhaustion make the pilgrimage even tougher. The upcoming ropeway will eliminate these hardships by cutting down the travel time to just 36 minutes while offering a safe, scenic, and comfortable journey.
This will also be a major boost for elderly pilgrims and those with health issues who find the steep trek difficult. By making the temple more accessible, the Kedarnath Ropeway Project will promote spiritual tourism and bring a significant rise in the number of visitors each year.
Part of India’s ‘Parvatmala’ National Ropeway Development Program
The Kedarnath Ropeway is being developed under the Government of India’s National Ropeway Development Program, known as ‘Parvatmala’. The initiative aims to enhance connectivity in hilly and remote areas through ropeway networks built in Public-Private Partnership (PPP) mode.
The Adani Group will execute the project in partnership with NHLML on a revenue-sharing basis, ensuring both public and private participation in this transformative infrastructure.
Boost to Local Economy and Employment
Apart from easing pilgrim travel, the project will play a vital role in boosting the local economy. Thousands of people from nearby regions are expected to gain employment during the construction and operation phases. Local businesses—such as hotels, shops, and transport services—will also benefit from the expected increase in tourist inflow once the ropeway becomes operational.
Moreover, the project is designed with strict adherence to environmental and safety standards. Special care is being taken to ensure that the fragile Himalayan ecosystem remains protected while building this large-scale infrastructure.
A Blend of Faith, Technology, and Progress
The Kedarnath Ropeway Project stands as a symbol of how modern technology can serve faith and sustainability together. It combines engineering innovation with the spiritual heritage of India, connecting millions of devotees to one of the holiest pilgrimage sites in the country.
With its completion, the ropeway will not only redefine pilgrimage to Kedarnath but also strengthen Uttarakhand’s reputation as a global spiritual tourism destination.
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Conclusion
The Kedarnath Ropeway Project by Adani Group is much more than just an infrastructure initiative—it’s a life-changing development for devotees and locals alike. What once required hours of physical effort will soon become a comfortable, scenic ride through the Himalayas, completed in less than 40 minutes.
As work progresses under the Parvatmala Program, the project promises to bring safety, comfort, and convenience to pilgrims while contributing to India’s vision of sustainable mountain transport and spiritual tourism.
