The Uttarakhand government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Highways Logistics Management Limited (NHLML) to develop ropeways to Kedarnath and Hemkund Sahib under the Parvatmala Project. The agreement, signed at the Secretariat in Dehradun, was formalised in the presence of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and Union Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways Ajay Tamta. Tourism and PWD Minister Satpal Maharaj also attended the signing ceremony.
Under the terms of the MoU, NHLML will hold a 51 per cent equity stake, while the state government will retain 49 per cent. As part of a revenue-sharing model, 90 per cent of the earnings will be reinvested in Uttarakhand’s tourism, transport, and mobility sectors.
CM Dhami stated that the ropeway initiative would unlock opportunities in tourism, employment, environmental sustainability, and promote the religious and cultural identity of Uttarakhand globally. He recalled that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, two major ropeways had already been approved:
- A 12.9 km ropeway from Sonprayag to Kedarnath, at an estimated cost of Rs 41 billion, and
- A 12.4 km ropeway from Govindghat to Hemkund Sahib, costing over Rs 27 billion.
Dhami highlighted that these projects would set new benchmarks in ropeway connectivity, while significantly strengthening the state’s economy. He further noted that rail, road, and ropeway infrastructure is being rapidly expanded under the PM’s vision. Key ongoing road projects include the Chardham All-Weather Road, Delhi–Dehradun Expressway, Sitarganj–Tanakpur Motorway, Paonta Sahib–Dehradun route, Banbasa–Kanchanpur corridor, and others such as Bhaniyawala–Rishikesh, Kathgodam–Lalkuan, and the Haldwani Bypass. Several border road projects and rail connectivity initiatives are also underway.
Union Minister Ajay Tamta described the occasion as historic for Uttarakhand’s ropeway development, stating that the state is witnessing accelerated growth across sectors. He remarked that the ropeways would offer easier access for pilgrims travelling to Kedarnath and Hemkund Sahib.
Tourism Minister Satpal Maharaj echoed the sentiment, adding that the ropeways would not only enhance religious tourism but also stimulate the local economy and create jobs.
The ceremony was also attended by senior officials including Principal Secretary RK Sudhanshu, Additional Secretary (Road Transport) Vinay Kumar, and NHLML CEO Rajesh Malik, among others, reflecting the collaborative push towards large-scale infrastructure and tourism development in the Himalayan state.?
