Adani Group Wins Tender for 13 km Kedarnath Ropeway Project
In a major boost to pilgrimage infrastructure, Adani Enterprises Limited (AEL) has been awarded the tender for the ambitious 13-kilometre-long ropeway project between Sonprayag and Kedarnath, part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s dream project. The National Highways Logistics Management Limited (NHLML) has issued the Letter of Award (LoA) for the project, which involves an investment of ₹4,081 crore and is expected to be completed in six years.
Key Features of the Project
- The ropeway will reduce the current 16 km trek — which pilgrims complete on foot, horseback, or by helicopter — to a 36-minute journey.
- Once operational, the ropeway will have a capacity to transport 1,800 passengers per hour in each direction.
- Adani Group will operate and maintain the ropeway for 29 years after its completion.
Foundation and Significance
Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for this project on 21 October 2022. At present, pilgrims face challenging terrain and lengthy travel times to reach the Kedarnath temple, one of the holiest shrines in the Himalayas. The ropeway aims to significantly improve accessibility, making the pilgrimage safer and more convenient.
The project was approved in March under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model as part of the National Ropeway Development Programme – Parvatmala. This transformative infrastructure initiative is expected to boost religious tourism, local employment, and regional economic development in Uttarakhand.
Once completed, the Kedarnath ropeway will stand as one of the longest and highest-altitude passenger ropeways in India, greatly enhancing the pilgrimage experience for millions of devotees every year.
