Kathgodam Hanumangarhi Temple Ropeway
The Kathgodam–Hanumangarhi Temple Ropeway is an ambitious infrastructure project set to transform travel in the scenic hills of Nainital district, Uttarakhand. This aerial cable car system aims to provide a swift, eco-friendly alternative to road travel, connecting the bustling Kathgodam railway station with the revered Hanumangarhi Temple.
As part of India's Parvatmala Pariyojana, the initiative promises to boost tourism, ease pilgrim access, and alleviate traffic congestion in the region.
Get latest updates on Kathgodam Hanumangarhi Ropeway
Ropeway Benefits and Impact
This ropeway is poised to revolutionize regional connectivity by:
- Boosting Tourism and Pilgrimage: Providing seamless access to Nainital's attractions, including lakes, temples, and adventure spots, while supporting year-round visits.
- Environmental Advantages: Reducing vehicular emissions and road strain in eco-sensitive zones, promoting sustainable transport.
- Economic Growth: Creating jobs in construction, operations, and ancillary services, while enhancing last-mile connectivity for remote areas.
- Safety and Convenience: Offering a safer alternative to winding mountain roads, especially during monsoons or winters.
It aligns with national goals to develop ropeways in hilly and heritage sites across 10 states, with MoUs signed for collaborative implementation.
Once operational, the Kathgodam–Hanumangarhi Temple Ropeway will not only shorten journeys but also offer breathtaking aerial views, making it a must-experience for visitors to the "Lake District" of India.
Ropeway Project Specifications
The ropeway is designed as a state-of-the-art aerial transport system, operating on a Hybrid Annuity Mode (HAM) under the Design, Build, Operate, and Transfer (DBOT) framework. Key technical details include:
- Length: Approximately 15 km (with some reports specifying 14.7 km), making it one of the longest ropeway projects in the world upon completion.
- Stations: Six intermediate stations to facilitate access along the route.
- Capacity: Capable of transporting around 60,000 passengers daily, ensuring efficient handling of peak tourist and pilgrim flows.
- Type: Likely a monocable or detachable gondola lift system, though exact technology details are yet to be finalized (TBD as per ongoing plans).
- Estimated Cost: ?1,592.87 crore (approximately $190 million), funded through public-private partnership models.
The system will feature modern amenities such as enclosed cabins for weather protection, real-time monitoring, and safety protocols suited to hilly terrains.
Note: The above information is subject to change during the course of further development.
Latest Updates on Kathgodam - Hanumangarhi Ropeway
Launched under the National Ropeways Development Programme (Parvatmala Pariyojana), the project was first tendered in early 2024 by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) through its subsidiary, National Highways Logistics Management Limited (NHLML).
It gained priority status in December 2025 during a high-level meeting chaired by Uttarakhand Chief Secretary Anand Vardhan, where it was identified as one of six key ropeway projects to enhance pilgrimage and tourism connectivity across the state.
The inclusion of Kainchi Dham, a popular spiritual site drawing increasing crowds, was directed to expand the project's scope, with feasibility studies planned for long-term route extensions.
This aligns with Uttarakhand's broader push for sustainable infrastructure, supporting over 50 lakh annual Char Dham Yatra pilgrims and equivalent domestic tourists.
Timeline and Current Status
Approval and Progress: As of December 2025, the project is in the final stages of approval, with work awards pending.
No major updates reported in early 2026, indicating ongoing preparatory work.
Ropeway to Hanumangarhi Route and Key Locations
The ropeway will span from Kathgodam, a major railway hub in Haldwani, to Hanumangarhi Temple in Nainital, covering an aerial distance of about 15 km through picturesque Himalayan foothills.
Initial plans considered a route from Ranibagh in Haldwani to Jeolikot and onward to Nainital, but recent directives incorporate Kainchi Dham, an ashram famous for its association with Neem Karoli Baba.
Hanumangarhi Temple, dedicated to Lord Hanuman, offers panoramic views of the Nainital Lake and surrounding peaks, making it a spiritual and scenic highlight. The route will navigate challenging elevations, reducing the current road journey time from over an hour to mere minutes.
