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The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved a ropeway project from Govindghat to Hemkund Sahib Ji in Uttarakhand. The ropeway will cover a distance of 12.4 km and will be built under the National Ropeways Development Programme - Parvatmala Pariyojana. The project will cost Rs 2,730.13 crore and will be developed on the Design, Build, Finance, Operate, and Transfer (DBFOT) model.
Making Travel Easier for Pilgrims
Currently, reaching Hemkund Sahib Ji requires a difficult 21-km uphill trek from Govindghat. Pilgrims and tourists complete this journey on foot, ponies, or palanquins. The new ropeway will make this journey easier and safer, providing all-weather last-mile connectivity. It will also benefit tourists visiting the Valley of Flowers, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Advanced Ropeway Technology
The ropeway will be built in a public-private partnership using advanced technology. It will have two sections:
- The first section from Govindghat to Ghangaria (10.55 km) will use the Monocable Detachable Gondola (MDG) system.
- The second section from Ghangaria to Hemkund Sahib Ji (1.85 km) will use the Tricable Detachable Gondola (3S) system.
The ropeway will carry 1,100 passengers per hour in each direction, with a daily capacity of 11,000 passengers.
Boost to Employment and Economy
The project will create many job opportunities during both construction and operation. It will also help businesses in tourism, hospitality, travel, and food industries. By improving connectivity, the ropeway will encourage economic growth in the region.
Importance of Hemkund Sahib Ji
Hemkund Sahib Ji is an important Sikh pilgrimage site, located at 15,000 ft in Uttarakhand's Chamoli district. The gurudwara is open for five months, from May to September, and attracts around 1.5 to 2 lakh pilgrims each year. The trek to Hemkund Sahib Ji also leads to the Valley of Flowers, known for its rich biodiversity and scenic beauty.
The approval of this ropeway project is a major step towards improving travel for pilgrims and promoting tourism in Uttarakhand. It will make the journey safer and more convenient while boosting economic development in the region.
