Kedarnath Ropeway
The Kedarnath Ropeway Project is an upcoming all-weather ropeway that will connect Sonprayag with Kedarnath Dham in Uttarakhand. Once completed, it will provide a faster and safer alternative to the existing 16 km trek from Gaurikund, especially for senior citizens, differently-abled pilgrims and those with limited travel time.
The project has been approved by the Government of India and is being developed to improve year-round connectivity while reducing travel time to the shrine.
Kedarnath Ropeway Project Highlights
- Proposed ropeway length: approximately 12.9 km
- Route: Sonprayag to Kedarnath
- Estimated travel time: around 36 minutes
- Designed to reduce dependence on the 16 km trekking route
- Planned passenger carrying capacity of thousands of pilgrims every day
- Estimated project cost: approximately Rs. 4,081 crore
- Being developed under the National Ropeways Development Programme (Parvatmala)
Current Ways to Reach Kedarnath
At present, pilgrims reach Kedarnath by trekking around 16 km from Gaurikund. The trek usually takes 6 to 9 hours depending on fitness, weather and crowd conditions.
Those who cannot undertake the trek may choose government-regulated helicopter services from Phata, Sirsi or Guptkashi, or use registered pony, palki and kandi services available from Gaurikund.
After completion, the Kedarnath Ropeway is expected to provide another transport option between Sonprayag and Kedarnath, significantly reducing travel time.
Latest Updates on Kedarnath Ropeway Project
05 March 2025
The Union Cabinet approved the 12.9 km Sonprayag–Kedarnath Ropeway Project with an estimated cost of about Rs. 4,081 crore. The ropeway will be developed under the Design, Build, Finance, Operate and Transfer (DBFOT) model.
April 2025
National Highways Logistics Management Limited (NHLML) selected the preferred private sector bidder for developing the ropeway project under the Public Private Partnership (PPP) model. The project aims to improve year-round connectivity for pilgrims visiting Kedarnath.
