Adani Group unveils ₹4,081 crore ropeway to Kedarnath Dham, slashing pilgrimage time to 36 min

The Adani Group, in partnership with the National Highways Logistics Management Limited (NHLML), announced on 15 October plans to construct a 12.9 km ropeway from Sonprayag to Kedarnath Dham in Uttarakhand, cutting the pilgrimage trek from 8-9 h to 36 min at a cost of ₹4,081 crore. The project employs India's first 3S tri-cable system with 35-seat gondolas, transporting up to 1,800 passengers per hour in each direction while incorporating safety technology and environmental protections.

Announced by Gautam Adani on October 15, the initiative aims to ease access for vulnerable pilgrims and stimulate the local economy,. However, it has drawn criticism for the commercialisation and ecological risks in the Himalayas.

Project details and timeline

The ropeway, designed to enhance accessibility for pilgrims to the sacred Kedarnath Dham, will feature advanced 3S tri-cable technology, ensuring stability and safety in the challenging Himalayan terrain. Each gondola will accommodate 35 passengers, including provisions for the elderly and disabled, with a capacity to ferry 1,800 people per hour in each direction.

The system incorporates environmental safeguards, such as minimal land disturbance and measures to mitigate ecological impact. Construction is expected to be completed in phases, with the whole project operational within the targeted timeline under the public-private partnership model.

Gautam Adani shared the announcement on X, stating: "The difficult climb to Kedarnath Dham will now become easier. The Adani Group is constructing this ropeway to make the pilgrimage for devotees simpler and safer." He added, "It is a matter of pride for us to be a part of this pious endeavour. May Mahadev continue to bestow his grace upon all. Jai Baba Kedarnath!"

केदारनाथ धाम की कठिन चढ़ाई अब आसान होगी।
अदाणी समूह श्रद्धालुओं की यात्रा को सरल और सुरक्षित बनाने के लिए यह रोपवे बना रहा है।

इस पुण्य कार्य का हिस्सा बनना हमारे लिए गर्व की बात है।
महादेव सब पर अपनी कृपा बनाए रखें।

जय बाबा केदारनाथ!#Adanipic.twitter.com/9f3VIGAWt6

— Gautam Adani (@gautam_adani) October 15, 2025

Partnership with NHLML

The initiative is a collaboration with NHLML, aimed at improving infrastructure for one of India's most revered pilgrimage sites under the government's Parvatmala Pariyojana. The project focuses on reducing the physical strain on pilgrims, particularly the vulnerable, by shortening the trek time significantly. It is expected to stimulate the local economy through increased tourism and job creation during construction and operation.

The partnership stresses safety features and environmental protections to address concerns in the sensitive Himalayan region.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has overseen the approval of a major ropeway project connecting Sonprayag and Kedarnath, which was awarded to Adani Enterprises this year.

The project is a key part of the state's efforts to enhance infrastructure for the Char Dham Yatra and improve the pilgrimage experience. The project is on the lines of the Modi government's broader efforts to modernise access to spiritual sites, likely to benefit millions of devotees annually.

The Adani Group has assured that the design incorporates measures to minimise environmental impact. Afforestation and wildlife corridor protections are included, per NHLML guidelines.

Political and public reactions

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has previously described similar initiatives as "a bridge between devotion and modern infrastructure," though no direct comment on this project was issued.

Local businesses anticipate a tourism boom, with a hotelier in Sonprayag noting the potential for year-round pilgrims.

Pilgrimage infrastructure

As one of 21 Parvatmala projects, the ropeway supports efforts to modernise access to India's spiritual sites, expected to double Kedarnath’s annual footfall. It could generate significant revenue by 2035, but requires rigorous environmental clearances.