India’s longest 12.9 km Kedarnath Ropeway by Adani Group will cut the trek from 9 hours to 36 minutes, blending faith, engineering, and sustainability.
Adani Group to Revolutionize Kedarnath Yatra with India’s Longest Ropeway
In a transformative move for Himalayan pilgrimage, the Adani Group has announced the construction of a 12.9-kilometer Kedarnath Ropeway, connecting Sonprayag to the sacred Kedarnath Dham in Uttarakhand. This ambitious project will reduce the current nine-hour uphill trek to a comfortable 36-minute journey, offering an unparalleled boost in accessibility, safety, and comfort for nearly 20 lakh pilgrims who visit annually.
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Engineering Excellence: India’s First 3S Ropeway System
The Kedarnath Ropeway will be India’s first 3S (tricable) ropeway system, a globally advanced technology capable of withstanding high-altitude conditions and severe weather.
- Each gondola will seat 35 passengers, ensuring a smooth and safe ride.
- The system can transport up to 1,800 passengers per hour in each direction.
- Built at an elevation of around 11,000 feet, it promises year-round reliability and operational efficiency.
This advanced infrastructure will particularly benefit elderly devotees, women, and children, providing them with a safe and comfortable alternative to the steep trek.
Project Execution and Economic Impact
Adani Enterprises Ltd (AEL), under its Roads, Metro, Rail, and Water division, received the Letter of Award from National Highways Logistics Management Ltd (NHLML) in September 2025 for executing the ₹4,081 crore project.
Developed under the National Ropeways Development Programme – Parvatmala Pariyojana, the project follows a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. Construction is expected to be completed within six years, after which AEL will operate the facility for 29 years.
Beyond easing travel, the Kedarnath Ropeway is expected to:
- Generate thousands of local jobs.
- Boost tourism and hospitality in the region.
- Stimulate economic growth across Uttarakhand’s hill districts.
Gautam Adani described the project as “a bridge between devotion and modern infrastructure,” reflecting both faith and forward-thinking engineering.
केदारनाथ धाम की कठिन चढ़ाई अब आसान होगी।
— Gautam Adani (@gautam_adani) October 15, 2025
अदाणी समूह श्रद्धालुओं की यात्रा को सरल और सुरक्षित बनाने के लिए यह रोपवे बना रहा है।
इस पुण्य कार्य का हिस्सा बनना हमारे लिए गर्व की बात है।
महादेव सब पर अपनी कृपा बनाए रखें।
जय बाबा केदारनाथ!#Adani pic.twitter.com/9f3VIGAWt6
Environment and Cultural Sensitivity
Despite its technological scale, the Kedarnath Ropeway is designed to respect the fragile Himalayan ecosystem. The project incorporates sustainable construction practices to minimize ecological impact and ensure responsible tourism.
It also aligns with the traditional pilgrimage calendar, ensuring better connectivity before and after the temple’s seasonal closures during harsh winters.
Kedarnath Yatra: Faith, History, and Spiritual Legacy
The Kedarnath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is one of Hinduism’s holiest shrines and a vital stop in the Char Dham circuit.
According to mythology, the Pandavas built the temple to seek forgiveness from Lord Shiva after the Kurukshetra War. When Shiva, disguised as a bull, disappeared into the ground, his hump emerged at Kedarnath, which is now revered as a natural Shiva Lingam.
Believed to be over 1,000 years old, the temple stands resilient at 11,000 feet and was restored by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century. Despite facing natural calamities, including the 2013 flash floods, it remains a symbol of divine endurance and human faith.
The Kedarnath Yatra is not merely a physical trek; it is a spiritual purification journey, believed to cleanse one’s sins and lead to self-realization.
Kedarnath Ropeway: Blending Faith and Technology
The upcoming Kedarnath Ropeway embodies a fusion of ancient devotion and modern innovation. It will:
- Enhance safety and accessibility for millions of pilgrims.
- Promote sustainable tourism in the Himalayan region.
- Preserve Kedarnath’s cultural and spiritual heritage while bringing the temple closer to every devotee’s heart.
As the project progresses, the Kedarnath Ropeway is set to become not only a technological marvel but also a symbol of India’s commitment to integrating faith, development, and sustainability in the 21st century.