Recently, the union Cabinet of India approved the Kedarnath Cable Car project, formally titled “Kedarnath Ropeway Project,” that will reduce the 9-hour long trek to a mere 36 minutes. So, this could also mean a great deal for Nepali devotees who would like to visit Kedarnath down the years choosing the ropeway.
The Kedarnath Cable Car project was approved under the leadership of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. It’s a significant transport system for the country that will facilitate millions of pilgrims with easier travel.
According to Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, the Kedarnath Cable Car project will cost INR 48.10 billion (NRS 76.87 billion), and the Hemkund Sahib Ropeway will cost INR 2.73 billion (NRS 4.4 billion). The project will be constructed under a public-private partnership in the ‘Design, Build, Finance, Operate, and Transfer (DBFOT)’ system.
The Indian government expects the ropeway to boost tourism, promote the economy, and generate employment.
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Kedarnath Cable Car project details
Indian media has highlighted that the Kedarnath Cable Car project will connect Sonprayag to Kedarnath temple, minimizing the 16-kilometer journey from Gaurikund to the holy shrine to just 36 minutes. That sounds stunning compared to the nine nine-hour journeys it currently takes for the pious visitors. The project will use Tri-Cable Detachable Gondolas.
Likewise, the ropeway system will take 1,800 passengers to the holy site per hour per direction, meaning 18,000 pilgrims daily.
Beyond easing pilgrimage travel, the project is expected to create a significant number of jobs during both the construction and operational phases, added the Indian media outlet. It is also anticipated to drive the growth of accommodation, transport, catering, and year-round tourism services.
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Kedarnath cable car significance for Nepalese
Kedarnath cable car does hold importance to Nepalese. It’s important for Nepalese too as thousands of devotees visit the sacred site every year. The easier route to the holy shrine will make the travel even more appealing, especially for the older citizens who may have shunned the idea of a trip because of the perilous journey. The ropeway will ignite the desire in many Nepalese to visit Kedarnath when it’s ready to serve.