Uttarakhand is set to launch the country’s biggest ropeway project, connecting Govindghat to Hemkund Sahib.
Length: 12.4 km
Cost: ₹2,730.13 crore
Benefit: Safe, fast & eco-friendly travel for lakhs of pilgrims, boosting local economy & tourism.
Dehradun: In a landmark step towards modernizing religious tourism and infrastructure in Uttarakhand, the country’s largest ropeway project is set to be developed, with the prestigious Hemkund Sahib Yatra at its heart. Sikh organizations across India have expressed deep gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami for this visionary initiative.
A delegation of prominent Sikh leaders, led by S. Narinder Jeet Singh Bindra, President of the Shri Hemkund Sahib Management Trust, met Chief Minister Dhami at his residence on Wednesday. The delegation thanked both the Central and State Governments for sanctioning the mega ropeway project that promises to redefine the pilgrimage experience for lakhs of devotees.
The Hemkund Sahib Ropeway Project
Route: Govindghat to Hemkund Sahib
Length: 12.4 km
Estimated Cost: ₹2,730.13 crore
Objective: To make the pilgrimage safer, faster, and more accessible, particularly for senior citizens and physically challenged devotees.
Speaking on the occasion, Bindra highlighted that the journey to Hemkund Sahib has traditionally been challenging and often risky due to tough terrain and unpredictable weather. “This ropeway will not only ensure comfort and safety for lakhs of pilgrims but also usher in economic and social opportunities for the local communities,” he said.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, expressing gratitude towards the Sikh organizations, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to promoting religious tourism. “Under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, efforts are continuously being made to simplify pilgrimages and strengthen our cultural heritage. The Hemkund Sahib Ropeway is not merely an infrastructure project; it is a testament to our devotion and a step towards sustainable development,” he said.
Dhami further assured that construction work on the project would commence soon, with strict adherence to environmental norms and sensitivity towards local sentiments throughout every stage.
Part of a ₹7,000-Crore Ropeway Vision for Uttarakhand
This ambitious project is part of a broader ropeway development initiative, representing a historic collaboration between the Government of India and the Government of Uttarakhand. An estimated ₹7,000 crore will be invested under this scheme.
A Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) will be formed jointly by National Highway Logistics and Construction Limited (NHLML) and the State Government, with a 51:49 ownership ratio between the Centre and State, respectively. This SPV will oversee the construction, operation, management and maintenance of multiple ropeway projects across Uttarakhand, aiming to enhance tourism, connectivity and local economies.
The Hemkund Sahib Ropeway stands out as one of the flagship projects under this initiative, promising a pilgrimage experience that is safe, swift, eco-friendly, and transformative.
Delegation Members Present
The Sikh delegation included prominent leaders such as:
S. Gurbaksh Singh Rajan – President, Singh Sabha Dehradun
S. Gulzar Singh – Secretary, Singh Sabha Dehradun
S. Gurdeep Singh – President, Singh Sabha Doiwala
S. Omkar Singh – President, Singh Sabha Nunawala
S. Mohinder Singh Babli – President, Singh Sabha Haridwar
S. Harmohinder Singh – President, Singh Sabha Patel Nagar
S. Sahib Singh – President, Singh Sabha Shergarh
S. Omkar Singh Raja – Singh Sabha Doiwala
S. Balbir Singh Sahni – President, Gurudwara Racecourse Dehradun
Senior journalist Neeraj Kohli
