In a landmark development that promises to revolutionize pilgrimage travel in Uttarakhand, Adani Enterprises Limited (AEL), the flagship entity of the Adani Group, has received the Letter of Award (LoA) from National Highways Logistics Management Ltd (NHLML) for the prestigious ropeway project connecting Sonprayag to Kedarnath. The investment of approximately Rs 4,081 crore positions this as one of the largest infrastructure projects in the region aimed at drastically reducing arduous journey times.
Key Highlights:
The project entails constructing a 12.9 km long ropeway from Sonprayag, the final access point by road to Kedarnath, to the iconic Kedarnath shrine, traditionally reached via an exhausting 16 km uphill trek taking 8 to 9 hours.
Upon completion, the ropeway will reduce the travel time to just 36 minutes, thus dramatically enhancing accessibility and safety for the estimated 20 lakh pilgrims who visit Kedarnath annually.
The ropeway capacity is designed to transport 1,800 passengers per hour per direction, with an overall daily capacity of approximately 18,000 visitors, significantly easing the pilgrimage rush.
This ambitious infrastructure will incorporate advanced Tri-cable Detachable Gondola (3S) technology, known for superior stability, speed, and wind resistance, suited to the challenging hilly terrain.
Executed under the National Ropeways Development Programme – Parvatmala Pariyojana, the project follows a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model with AEL managing construction and operating the ropeway post-completion for 29 years.
The construction phase is expected to span six years, leveraging Adani's Roads, Metro, Rail, and Water (RMRW) division’s expertise, ensuring world-class execution standards.
Apart from significantly improving pilgrim convenience, the project is poised to bolster local employment, enhance regional tourism, and stimulate economic activity benefits for Uttarakhand’s people.
Gautam Adani, Chairman of the Adani Group, stated, “The Kedarnath ropeway is more than an engineering project – it is a bridge between devotion and modern infrastructure. By making this sacred journey safer, faster, and more accessible, we honor the faith of millions while creating new opportunities for Uttarakhand’s people.”
Strategic and Social Impact:
This ropeway project marks a transformational leap in infrastructure linking one of India’s most sacred pilgrimage destinations, addressing longstanding challenges of difficult terrain and climatic adversities faced by trekkers. It reflects the government's commitment to safer, sustainable, and efficient pilgrimage facilitation.
Furthermore, by deploying advanced ropeway technologies and sustainable construction practices, Adani Enterprises contributes to Uttarakhand’s broader tourism upliftment while setting a benchmark for similar infrastructure ventures across the country.
The project is expected to catalyze ancillary developments, ranging from improved last-mile connectivity to hospitality and service sector growth in the region, reinforcing balanced socio-economic development.
In conclusion, Adani Enterprises’ acquisition of the LoA for the Sonprayag-Kedarnath ropeway epitomizes a landmark public-private partnership, poised to dramatically ease pilgrimage hardships and unlock significant socio-economic benefits over the next three decades.
Sources: Moneycontrol, NDTV, Business Today, Economic Times, Republic World (September 15, 2025)
