Sonprayag to Kedarnath Ropeway : An investment of ₹4,081 cr
Adani Enterprises Ltd declared on Monday that it secured a contract letter from National Highways Logistics Management Ltd to construct a cable car system linking from Sonprayag to Kedarnath, involving an outlay of ₹4,081 crore.
The assignment will be carried out by the firm’s Roads, Metro, Rail, and Water (RMRW) segment. The 12.9 km aerial project falls under the National Ropeways Development Scheme – Parvatmala Pariyojana and will be executed through the Public-Private Partnership framework.
When finished, the cableway will cut the journey to Kedarnath from a demanding 9-hour climb to only 36 minutes. It will handle a throughput of 1,800 riders per hour in each direction, benefitting millions of pilgrims every year.
Quick Fact: Sonprayag to Kedarnath Ropeway
- The Total estimated cost of the Sonprayag to Kedarnath Ropeway Project Cost is ₹4,081 cr.
- The Sonprayag to Kedarnath Ropeway Ariel distance will be 12.9 km.
- The capacity will be 1,800 riders per hour in each direction from Sonparyag to Kedarnath and vice versa.
- Total time will be 36 minutes to reach temple from from Sonprayag to Kedarnath by Ropeway.
- Kedarnath Temple draws nearly 20 lakh visitors each year, emphasizing the magnitude of the initiative.
Sonprayag to Kedarnath Ropeway Project
The firm announced that the building phase will last six years, after which Adani Enterprises Ltd (AEL) will manage the cable system for 29 years. Alongside enhancing linkages, the venture is projected to create jobs and enhance tourism in Uttarakhand.
Sharing his views of the Adani Group, remarked that the Kedarnath aerial route represents a connection between faith and modern facilities.
This sacred path to become safer, quicker, and more reachable, we respect the devotion of millions while opening new avenues for the people of Uttarakhand, through our collaboration with NHLML and the State Government. This esteemed initiative demonstrates our dedication to creating systems that truly serve the nation.”
Kedarnath Dham
Kedarnath Dham is one of the most revered pilgrimage sites for Hindus and holds a special place among the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. Nestled in the lap of the mighty Himalayas in Uttarakhand.
The temple is surrounded by snow-covered peaks, cascading streams, and pristine natural beauty. The journey to Kedarnath is not easy, but its breathtaking landscapes leave every devotee in awe.
The temple opens its doors only during a specific period of the year, and millions of devotees travel from across India and the world for the divine darshan of Baba Kedar.
Beyond its spiritual significance, Kedarnath is enveloped in fascinating mysteries—stories of its origin, architectural marvels, and the astonishing fact that for nearly 400 years it remained buried beneath layers of snow before revealing itself again as a sacred seat of worship.
Suggested Read: Your Best Stay in Rishikesh: Om Homestay in Tapovan.
Ancient Tradition of the temple
The Kedarnath Temple holds a remarkable tradition where a special lamp, called the Akhand Jyoti, continues to burn for six months without ever going out, even when the temple is closed during the harsh winter months.
Priests light this lamp before closing the temple doors, and astonishingly, when the temple reopens after six months, the lamp is found still burning as if it had been continually tended to, despite no one being physically inside.
Devotees believe that during this period, divine powers themselves come and perform the worship, replenishing the lamp’s ghee and ensuring the flame never extinguishes.
This eternal flame symbolizes the constant presence and grace of Lord Shiva at Kedarnath, deepening the faith of all who visit.
Temple’s Mythology
According to Hindu mythology connected to the temple, after the Pandavas won the Mahabharata war but were burdened by guilt over the destruction, they sought Lord Shiva for forgiveness.
Shiva, to avoid the Pandavas, took the form of a bull and disappeared underground in Kedarnath, leaving behind only his hump which is worshipped in the temple today. Impressed by their devotion, Shiva eventually appeared to the Pandavas, granting them absolution.
The Pandavas then built the temple as a place of worship. The hump-like structure at the temple represents the bull form of Shiva and is a unique feature of Kedarnath’s idol.
The architecture of Kedarnath Temple
The architecture of Kedarnath Temple is truly remarkable and awe-inspiring. Situated amid snow-covered mountains, the temple dedicated to Lord Shiva stands out beautifully.
The temple measures approximately 85 feet in height, 187 feet in length, and 80 feet in width, with walls that are 12 feet thick, constructed from very sturdy stones.
The entire structure stands on a 6 feet high elevated platform. It is truly astonishing how these massive stones were brought, carved, and placed at such height and location where even reaching is very challenging.
Experts believe that the stones were joined using an interlocking technique, which gave the temple the strength to stand firmly in the middle of the river.
The temple is divided into three main parts:
- The sanctum sanctorum (Garbha Griha), where the self-manifested Jyotirlinga of Lord Kedarnath resides.
- The middle section.
- The assembly hall (Sabha Mandap).
Around Kedarnath, one can enjoy magnificent natural beauty. On one side rises the Kedarnath mountain at 22,000 feet, on another the Karachakund at 21,600 feet, and on the third side, the Bharatakund at 22,700 feet.
Flowing from these three peaks are five rivers: Mandakini, Madhuganga, Chirganga, Saraswati, and Swarnadri, some mentioned in ancient scriptures. The entire region serves as the exclusive catchment area for the Mandakini River.
This temple’s architecture—its massive stonework, interlocking technique, and location in a harsh terrain—reflects a blend of strength, spirituality, and natural harmony.
400 years Under Snow
According to scientists, the Kedarnath Temple remained buried under snow for about 400 years yet remarkably stayed intact.
This period aligns with a “Little Ice Age” that occurred roughly between the 13th and 17th centuries, during which a large Himalayan region was covered by snow.
Although the temple was deeply buried in snow, it was not under a glacier but surrounded by thick ice layers. Scientific studies show that the temple’s walls and stones bear marks from the friction caused by glaciers, indicating it withstood the harsh icy environment.
It will be completed in last 6 years
The Ropeway Project yet to start will tale 6 years to be completed.
when will kedarnath ropeway open
sonprayag to kedarnath ropeway ticket ?
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