The Government of India has approved a 12.4 km ropeway project from Govindghat to Hemkund Sahib Ji in Uttarakhand, as part of the National Ropeways Development Programme – Parvatmala Pariyojana. This significant initiative aims to offer all-weather, last-mile connectivity to one of India’s most esteemed pilgrimage locations, while also fostering tourism and generating local job opportunities.
Key Highlights
• Approval & Cost: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has given the green light for the project, which is estimated to cost ₹2,730.13 crore.
• Development Model: This project will be developed using the Design, Build, Finance, Operate, and Transfer (DBFOT) model as part of a public-private partnership (PPP).
• Current Challenge: Reaching Hemkund Sahib Ji requires a challenging 21 km uphill trek, which is currently undertaken on foot, by ponies, or in palanquins.
Technology Used
- Monocable Detachable Gondola (MDG): Govindghat to Ghangaria (10.55 km).
- Tricable Detachable Gondola (3S): Ghangaria to Hemkund Sahib Ji (1.85 km).
- Capacity: Designed to transport 1,100 passengers per hour per direction (PPHPD), facilitating 11,000 passengers per day.