Dehradun: An agreement for the development of ropeways in Kedarnath and Hemkund Sahib was signed on Tuesday (September 02, 2025) at the state secretariat in Dehradun, Uttarakhand. The event marked a significant milestone in enhancing pilgrimage and tourism infrastructure in the state.
Agreement signed in presence of CM Dhami
The signing ceremony brought together prominent figures who played a pivotal role in this initiative. Chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami oversaw the proceedings, ensuring the state’s vision was well-represented. Minister of state for road transport and highways, Government of India, Ajay Tamta, was present to highlight the central government’s commitment to the project. Uttarakhand tourism minister Satpal Maharaj also attended, emphasizing the state’s focus on boosting its tourism sector. Representatives from the National Highway Logistics Management Limited (NHLML) and the Uttarakhand state government formalized the partnership, setting the stage for collaborative progress.
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Project Overview
The agreement was formalised between the Uttarakhand state government and the NHLML, a fully-owned subsidiary of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), under the Parvatmala Pariyojana. This flagship National Ropeways Development Programme aims to create efficient and safe alternate transport networks in hilly regions, tackling the challenges posed by rugged terrain and improving access to key pilgrimage sites.
The project focuses on two major ropeways: the Sonprayag to Kedarnath route, spanning 12.9 km with an estimated cost of ₹4,081.28 crore, and the Govindghat to Hemkund Sahib route, covering 12.4 km with a projected cost of ₹2,730.13 crore. These ropeways are designed to significantly reduce travel time for pilgrims visiting these high-altitude shrines, located over 3,500 meters above sea level, and are expected to handle substantial passenger volumes, with the Hemkund Sahib ropeway capable of accommodating up to 1,100 passengers per hour per direction, translating to 11,000 passengers daily.
Equity and Revenue Sharing
The partnership is structured with NHLML holding a 51% stake, while the Uttarakhand state government retains a 49% share. This public-private partnership model, specifically the design, build, finance, operate and transfer mode, ensures a balanced approach to investment and operations. A key feature of the agreement is that 90% of the revenue generated from the ropeways will be reinvested into the fields of tourism, transport, and mobility within Uttarakhand, aligning with the state’s developmental priorities and promising long-term benefits for the region.
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Significance of the project
The Parvatmala project is a cornerstone of a broader vision to enhance logistics and connectivity in India’s hilly regions. It encompasses the development of 35 Multimodal Logistics Parks, construction of ropeways, deployment of optical fiber cable networks, and establishment of wayside amenities, as outlined by the Press Information Bureau. The Uttarakhand ropeways are a critical component, promising to improve accessibility by easing the arduous trek for pilgrims, particularly the elderly and differently-abled, to Kedarnath and Hemkund Sahib. This initiative is also set to boost tourism, enhancing the state’s appeal as a premier pilgrimage and adventure destination, which will support local economies. Additionally, the project offers environmental benefits by providing a greener alternative to vehicular traffic, reducing carbon emissions in ecologically sensitive areas. The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved these projects on March 5, 2025, with a total investment of ₹7,000 crore, as reported by The Hindu. The ropeways will feature advanced technologies such as monocable detachable gondola and tricable detachable gondola systems, ensuring safety and efficiency for all users.
Parvatmala scheme
The NHLML, established under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), plays a central role in overseeing logistics infrastructure, including ropeways and multimodal logistics parks. Current bids are in process for similar projects in Nagpur, Nashik and Pune, indicating a nationwide rollout of the Parvatmala scheme. Meanwhile, Uttarakhand Tourism promotes the state as the “Land of Gods & Nature” through its official portal, and initiatives like these ropeways are expected to attract millions of domestic and international tourists annually, further solidifying the region’s economic prospects.
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Socio-Economic Impact
The project is anticipated to create numerous job opportunities during both the construction and operation phases, benefiting local communities by providing employment and skill development opportunities. The reinvestment of 90% of revenues into tourism and transport infrastructure will also fund further developments, such as road upgrades and visitor facilities, as outlined in the state government’s tourism strategy. This approach ensures that the economic benefits are widely distributed, fostering inclusive growth in the region.
Challenges and Considerations
While the project holds immense potential, several challenges need to be addressed. Construction in the Himalayas requires strict adherence to ecological norms to prevent damage to fragile ecosystems, a concern echoed by experts in environmental studies like those cited by Dialogue Earth, which highlighted the risks of ropeways disturbing mountain ecosystems. The ₹7,000 crore investment necessitates efficient project management to meet deadlines and budgets, a task that will test the coordination between central and state agencies.
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The signing of the ropeway agreement marks a transformative step for Uttarakhand’s pilgrimage and tourism sectors. With a robust public-private partnership framework, advanced technology, and a clear revenue reinvestment strategy, the Kedarnath and Hemkund Sahib ropeways are poised to enhance connectivity, promote sustainable tourism, and uplift the regional economy. The involvement of both central and state governments, alongside National Highway Logistics Management Limited, underscores a collaborative effort to realize the vision of the Parvatmala Pariyojana. By addressing environmental and logistical challenges, Uttarakhand is set to become a model for hill state development, offering a blueprint for other regions to follow.
