In a significant move to transform pilgrimage to the revered Kedarnath shrine, the central government has finalized plans for a major infrastructure push. The strategy focuses on constructing a new tunnel and advancing a ropeway project to drastically improve connectivity, reduce travel time, and ensure the safety of the ever-growing number of devotees.
A Twin-Tube Tunnel for Safety and Speed
The cornerstone of this plan is a 7-kilometer long twin-tube tunnel. This crucial link will connect Chaumasi in the Kalimath Valley, near Guptkashi, directly to Sonprayag. Sonprayag is designated as the starting point for the upcoming ropeway project that will ferry pilgrims to the shrine. The tunnel is designed to be more than just an alternative route; it will also function as a vital escape passage during emergencies and inclement weather, a critical safety feature for the fragile Himalayan region.
To prepare for the increased traffic flow once the tunnel becomes operational, the government will expand the existing one-lane road in Kalimath Valley into a two-lane highway. This road currently falls under the jurisdiction of the Uttarakhand government. Furthermore, authorities are also considering a feasibility study for a dedicated walkway and pedestrian tunnel from the Chaumasi side to provide even better last-mile connectivity to the temple.
Addressing the Pilgrim Surge with a High-Capacity Ropeway
The push for new infrastructure is a direct response to the soaring number of visitors to Kedarnath. Official data notes that 17.7 lakh (1.77 million) pilgrims visited the shrine last year. Projections indicate this figure could swell to 25 lakh by 2030 and reach a staggering 40 lakh by 2040. The existing road connectivity, primarily via NH-107, is under immense strain.
To manage this surge, the 12.9-kilometer Sonprayag-Kedarnath ropeway project has been awarded to Adani Enterprises. This ambitious project is expected to be operational by 2031-32. Once complete, it will have the impressive capacity to transport 1,800 pilgrims every hour, with a one-way journey taking just about 40 minutes—a fraction of the current travel time by road.
Learning from the Past, Building for the Future
In the wake of the Silkyara tunnel incident, the government is emphasizing rigorous groundwork. Detailed geological and hydrological investigations will be conducted before construction begins on the new tunnel to ensure long-term stability and safety. The road transport ministry recently held detailed discussions with the Uttarakhand state government to align on the proposal and expedite the process.
This comprehensive plan—combining a safer, all-weather tunnel with a high-speed, high-capacity ropeway—aims to revolutionize the pilgrimage experience to Kedarnath. It addresses the dual challenges of enhancing devotee safety in a sensitive ecosystem and efficiently managing the exponential growth in tourist and pilgrim traffic for decades to come.
