Yamunotri Temple Ropeway

In February 2023, the Uttarakhand Government signed a contract to construct a 3.38 km ropeway. This is part of the government’s efforts to improve connectivity to various holy sites. This article is important for the UPSC exam economy and infrastructure segments.

MoU to build Ropeway to Yamunotri Temple

The ropeway will run from Janki Chatti in Kharsali to Yamunotri Dham. At present, the option of travelling is by trekking and pilgrims trek for 5.5 km to reach Yamunotri Dham from Kharsali.

• The ropeway is 3.38 km in length.
• After finishing, the project can reduce the travel time significantly, by bringing down the travel time from the current 2-3 hours to only 15 – 20 minutes. 
• The total cost is estimated to be Rs 166.82 crore.
• It will be built for Yamunotri Dham.
• It will be of a mono-cable detachable type, constructed according to the European standards of France and Switzerland. 
• The passenger capacity for the ropeway will be around 500 people in an hour. 

• Participants: Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board has signed the contract with two private construction companies, namely SRM Engineering Solutions Pvt. Ltd. and FIL Industries Pvt. Ltd. So it is a Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) project.

Benefits of the Yamunotri Temple Ropeway:

1. Religious tourism: The completion of the project will bring convenience for pilgrims. The project will connect the summer and winter Dhams of Maa Yamunotri Devi.
2. Social and economic development: With enhanced connectivity, more people will visit and it will result in the social and economic growth of the area.
3. Facility for senior citizens: Dangerous treks and low oxygen levels at higher altitudes make it hard for senior citizens. The ropeway will make the journey comfortable.
4. Soft power: Better facilities for pilgrims and tourists coming from abroad will help in increasing soft power.

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