Kedarnath and Hemkund Sahib Ropeway Projects Gain Momentum; Chief Secretary Reviews Progress
Dehradun:
A meeting of the Board of Directors of Uttarakhand Ropeway Development Limited (URDL) was held at the Secretariat on Monday under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan. The second board meeting reviewed the progress of the ambitious Kedarnath Ropeway Project and Hemkund Sahib Ropeway Project, while several key proposals related to the projects were approved and recommended.
During the meeting, the Chief Secretary emphasized expediting the process of obtaining forest land clearances for both ropeway projects. He directed officials to complete all necessary surveys, technical assessments, and statutory approvals within the stipulated timelines to ensure that project implementation proceeds without delays.
He also instructed the concerned departments to fast-track utility shifting works and complete power and water supply-related infrastructure at the earliest. Stressing the broader developmental impact of the projects, the Chief Secretary said that the ropeways would not only improve transportation facilities for pilgrims and tourists but also contribute significantly to regional economic growth.
He directed officials to pay special attention to the development of parking facilities, last-mile connectivity, and commercial zones around the ropeway stations. He further emphasized maintaining continuous engagement with local stakeholders, including residents and business communities, to ensure smooth execution of the projects and timely resolution of any concerns.
Officials from National Highways Logistics Management Limited informed the meeting that the LiDAR survey and videography work for the Kedarnath Ropeway Project have been completed. The concessionaire has commenced geotechnical investigations, while geotechnical surveys for the proposed stations at Gaurikund and Sonprayag have already been completed.
They further reported that the topographical survey has been completed and the preliminary alignment has been finalized. The final alignment is expected to be completed by the end of June 2026. Officials also informed that a logistics dry run using full-sized containers from Dehradun to Sonprayag has been successfully carried out to assess the transportation and movement of construction materials.
Regarding the Hemkund Sahib Ropeway Project, officials stated that land survey work is currently underway. However, drone surveys faced delays due to adverse weather conditions. To complete the remaining assessments, DGPS and LiDAR surveys for the final stretch have been resumed.
The Chief Secretary directed all agencies involved to maintain close coordination and ensure that all pending tasks are completed within the prescribed timelines so that the projects can move forward without hindrance.
The meeting was attended by Secretaries Dilip Jawalkar and Dheeraj Garbyal, along with senior officials from various departments and representatives of NHLML.
