Work on Kedarnath and Hemkunt Sahib ropeway projects has gained momentum in Uttarakhand. Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan directed to complete the works related to forest clearance, survey and infrastructure facilities on time. The projects are expected to provide major benefits to religious tourism and connectivity.
Uttarakhand’s two ambitious ropeway projects, Kedarnath Ropeway and Hemkunt Sahib Ropeway, now seem to be progressing rapidly. The progress of these two projects was reviewed in the second meeting of the Board of Directors of Uttarakhand Ropeway Development Limited held at the Secretariat on Monday. The meeting was presided over by Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan.
During the meeting, the Chief Secretary instructed the officials that the works related to forest land clearance should be completed on priority basis. Also, emphasis was laid on completing all the necessary surveys within the stipulated time. He said that there should not be any delay in works like power supply, water supply and utility shifting.
Many important stages completed in Kedarnath ropeway project
Officials informed in the meeting that the work of Lidar survey and videography has been completed under the Kedarnath Ropeway Project. Geo-technical survey for Gaurikund and Sonprayag stations has also been completed. Apart from this, topography survey and preliminary alignment work has been completed.
According to officials, the final alignment of the project is likely to be decided by June 2026. At the same time, logistics dry run with real size containers from Dehradun to Sonprayag has also been successfully completed, which is being considered an important achievement for the project.
Focus also on parking, connectivity and tourism facilities
Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan said that ropeway projects should not be limited to mere transportation facility, but parking, last mile connectivity and commercial activities should also be developed around them. He also gave instructions to maintain constant communication with the stakeholders.
It was also informed in the meeting that the land survey work for Hemkunt Sahib Ropeway Project is going on. There was some delay in drone survey due to bad weather, but DGPS and Lidar survey has been resumed for the last part.