Dehradun: Uttarakhand is accelerating plans to develop a network of ropeways across the state, with 51 projects spanning nearly 160 km proposed in partnership between the Centre and the state government.
The initiative is being pursued under the direction of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, with the government identifying ropeways as an alternative mode of transport suited to Uttarakhand’s mountainous terrain. The proposed network includes connectivity to several major pilgrimage and tourism destinations.
The state government has said the projects are intended to improve access to religious and tourist destinations while providing an additional transport option alongside road, rail and air connectivity.
Major Ropeway Projects
Six of the prominent projects identified by the state include:
- Sonprayag–Kedarnath, Rudraprayag
- Govindghat–Hemkund Sahib, Chamoli
- Ranibagh–Hanumangarh–Kainchi Dham, Nainital
- Kanakchouri–Kartik Swami, Rudraprayag
- Joshimath–Auli–Gorson, Chamoli
- Raithal–Dayara Bugyal, Uttarkashi
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The 12.9-km Sonprayag–Kedarnath ropeway has already received Union Cabinet approval under the National Ropeways Development Programme–Parvatmala Pariyojana. The project has an approved capital cost of ₹4,081.28 crore and is planned under the DBFOT model.
The 12.4-km Govindghat–Hemkund Sahib ropeway has also received Cabinet approval, with an estimated project cost of ₹2,730.13 crore.
Other Proposed Routes
The wider list of proposed projects includes ropeways connecting:
- Ranikhet–Chaubatia
- Kasardevi–Almora
- Dwarahat–Dunagiri
- Dwarahat–Kukuchina–Pandukhola
- Chaukhutia–Targatal–Kukuchina
- Chaughanpata–Base Hospital–New Collectorate, Almora
- Tallital Market–Gangnath Temple area, Nainital
- Camel Back Road–Lal Tibba, Mussoorie
- Camel Back Road–George Everest, Mussoorie
- Camel Back Road–Kempty Falls, Mussoorie
- George Everest House–Bhadraj Temple
- Tapkeshwar Mahadev Temple–Robber’s Cave
- Raipur–Maldevta
- Maldevta–Dhanaulti
The proposed routes cover pilgrimage centres, hill destinations, tourist attractions and locations where road connectivity can be difficult because of the terrain.
Agencies Handling Ropeway Projects
The projects are being taken forward through multiple agencies, including:
- National Highways Logistics Management Limited (NHLML)
- Uttarakhand Metro Rail Urban Infrastructure and Building Construction Corporation
- Urban Infrastructure and Building Construction Corporation
- Uttarakhand Tourism Department
The Uttarakhand Metro Rail Corporation already lists feasibility studies for projects such as Rishikesh–Neelkanth Mahadev and Har Ki Pauri–Chandi Devi among its ropeway-related work.
Tourism Footfall and Transport Requirements
According to the state government, more than 6.03 crore tourists and pilgrims visited Uttarakhand in 2025. The government has linked the proposed expansion of ropeway connectivity to the need for additional transport infrastructure as visitor numbers increase.
Uttarakhand’s tourism master plan has also identified ropeways as an important transport option for mountainous destinations, particularly in areas where accessibility is difficult.
Dhami Directs Agencies to Speed Up Work
Dhami has previously directed agencies involved in ropeway development to expedite pending processes and establish timelines for projects. A review in August 2026 covered projects including those planned for Kedarnath, Hemkund Sahib, Mussoorie, Nainital, Purnagiri, Kunjapuri and Neelkanth.
The Chief Minister has described ropeway connectivity as important for Uttarakhand given its geographical conditions, saying it can improve access to religious and tourism destinations while providing an additional transport option and supporting local economic activity.
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