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Enhancing Pilgrimage Travel: Uttarakhand's New Ropeway Projects

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Enhancing Pilgrimage Travel: Uttarakhand's New Ropeway Projects

  • 08 Mar, 2025
  • 392

Overview of Uttarakhand's New Ropeway Projects

Recently, the government of Uttarakhand announced two significant ropeway projects aimed at improving travel for pilgrims. These projects are designed to ease the burdens of trekking to sacred sites, enhancing the overall pilgrimage experience.

Details of the Approved Ropeway Projects

  • Govindghat to Hemkund Sahib: This 12.4 km ropeway will cost ₹2,730.13 crore, significantly reducing the daunting 21 km trek.
  • Sonprayag to Kedarnath: Spanning 12.9 km, this ropeway, with a budget of ₹4,081 crore, will cut travel time from 9 hours to just 36 minutes.

Benefits for Pilgrims

The Kedarnath ropeway aims to provide a safe and environmentally friendly travel option for pilgrims, particularly benefiting the elderly and disabled. With a capacity to carry 1,800 passengers per hour in both directions, this system utilizes advanced technology for a smoother journey.

Key Features of the Hemkund Sahib Ropeway

This ropeway will commence at Govindghat and include a stop at Ghangaria. It is designed to simplify the trekking process, ensuring a safer and more comfortable experience for all travelers. Each gondola will accommodate 36 passengers, enhancing capacity and efficiency.

Significance Under the Parvatmala Yojana

These initiatives are part of the Parvatmala Yojana, a National Ropeway Development Program focusing on better connectivity in hilly areas. The scheme aims to promote eco-friendly transport options, decrease travel time, and boost local tourism.

Impact on Local Tourism and the Environment

The introduction of these ropeways is expected to:

  • Enhance tourism by providing improved access to major pilgrimage sites.
  • Minimize vehicular congestion and pollution in the delicate Himalayan ecosystem.
  • Offer a sustainable transport solution, especially during harsh weather conditions.

Project Implementation

The National Highways Logistics Management (NHLML), a subsidiary of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), will oversee the execution of these projects in partnership with Uttarakhand's tourism department.

Financial and Technological Aspects

The total investment for both projects amounts to ₹6,811 crore. They will utilize modern technology, including:

  • Mono-cable detachable gondola systems for safety and efficiency.
  • A public-private partnership (PPP) model to facilitate funding and implementation.

Ensuring Project Success

The government is committed to ensuring the success of these projects by implementing modern safety measures. This includes designing robust wind-resistant structures and high-capacity gondolas to accommodate the anticipated heavy footfall of pilgrims. “Development must be sustainable, ensuring progress without compromising the future,” officials assert.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is the purpose of the ropeway projects in Uttarakhand?
Answer: The ropeway projects aim to improve pilgrimage access, reduce travel time, and promote eco-friendly transportation to sacred sites in Uttarakhand.

Q2. How will the Kedarnath ropeway affect travel time?
Answer: The Kedarnath ropeway will significantly reduce travel time from 9 hours to just 36 minutes, making the journey much more accessible for pilgrims.

Q3. What is the capacity of the gondolas in these projects?
Answer: Each gondola in the ropeway systems can carry 36 passengers, allowing for efficient transport of large numbers of pilgrims.

Q4. Who is responsible for implementing these projects?
Answer: The National Highways Logistics Management (NHLML) will execute the projects in collaboration with Uttarakhand's tourism department.

Q5. What technology will be used in the ropeway systems?
Answer: The projects will utilize mono-cable detachable gondola systems, ensuring safety and efficiency for travelers.

UPSC Practice MCQs

Question 1: Which two locations are connected by the newly approved ropeway projects in Uttarakhand?
A) Govindghat to Hemkund Sahib
B) Sonprayag to Kedarnath
C) Both A and B
D) Neither A nor B
Correct Answer: C

Question 2: What is the total investment for both the ropeway projects?
A) ₹2,730 crore
B) ₹4,081 crore
C) ₹6,811 crore
D) ₹8,000 crore
Correct Answer: C

Question 3: Who will execute the ropeway projects in Uttarakhand?
A) Uttarakhand Tourism Department
B) National Highways Logistics Management
C) Indian Railways
D) State Government of Uttarakhand
Correct Answer: B

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