Sonprayag-Kedarnath 36 Mins became reality today, March 5, 2025. The Union Cabinet approved a groundbreaking ropeway project. It slashes the 9-hour journey to just 36 minutes.
Pilgrims to Kedarnath, a sacred Jyotirlinga, rejoice. The 12.9-km ropeway costs ₹4,081 crore. It’s a game-changer for Uttarakhand.
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs acted fast. Chaired by PM Narendra Modi, it greenlit the plan. The project falls under the Parvatmala Pariyojana. It uses a public-private partnership model. Construction starts soon, promising better access. Around 20 lakh devotees visit yearly. This eases their trek.
Sonprayag-Kedarnath 36 Mins: Tech and Benefits
Sonprayag-Kedarnath 36 Mins relies on advanced tech. The Tri-Cable Detachable Gondola (3S) system powers it.
It carries 1,800 passengers per hour each way. That’s 18,000 pilgrims daily. The current 16-km uphill trek from Gaurikund takes hours. Pilgrims use foot, ponies, or helicopters. Now, it’s faster and eco-friendly.
The ropeway ensures all-weather access. Kedarnath sits at 3,583 meters in Rudraprayag. Harsh winters often cut it off. This project fixes that. It also boosts jobs.
Construction and operations will hire locals. Tourism sectors like hospitality will grow too. The Sonprayag-Kedarnath 36 Mins vision transforms travel.