You Can Now Travel to Kedarnath on a Ropeway and Here’s How!

In a very recent move, the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) agreed to the proposition of the development of a ropeway between Sonprayag to Kedarnath shrine in the district of Rudraprayag. This move aligns with the efforts of increasing religious tourism and pilgrimage in the region of Uttarakhand.

The cost of constructing the 13km ropeway is estimated to be around INR 1200 crores. The Sonprayag Kedarnath ropeway project was on hold since June when it received the State Wildlife Board’s approval. Following the NBWL’s approval, the project received its clearance for commencement. The final decision was taken by the board during its 70th standing committee meeting that was chaired by environment minister Bhupendra Yadav on the 13th of September.

The notable reason stated behind the approval of this project was to facilitate the ease of travel for pilgrims visiting the Kedarnath shrine during the Kedarnath Dham Yatra. A helicopter service is currently available to pilgrims visiting the shrine.

This move has received criticism majorly from environmentalists and activists due to its need for diverting forests for construction which can have harmful effects on the Himalayan region.