Kedarnath Yatra to Get Easier with Twin-Tube Tunnel and Ropeway Projects

Kedarnath, Uttarakhand: The Uttarakhand government is moving ahead with ambitious plans to make the pilgrimage to Kedarnath Dham safer and more accessible for devotees. Religious tourism is a key driver of employment and income in the state, and with millions of pilgrims visiting each year, improving infrastructure has become a priority.

Twin-Tube Tunnel Project: A 7-kilometer twin-tube tunnel is planned between Choumasi and Sonprayag near Kalimath. Once completed, it will provide dual connectivity to Sonprayag, serving as an alternate route and an emergency exit during adverse weather conditions or unforeseen situations. The project is expected to take four to five years, and authorities are also studying a dedicated pedestrian passage to enhance last-mile connectivity for pilgrims.

Enhanced Facilities for Pilgrims: The tunnel will ease travel for devotees, offering a safer and quicker route to Sonprayag. The road leading to the tunnel will be widened to two lanes, ensuring smooth traffic flow once the tunnel is operational.

Ropeway Project: In parallel, the central government is developing a 12.9-kilometer ropeway from Sonprayag to Kedarnath, reducing the current 8–9 hour trek to just 36–40 minutes. Each cable car will accommodate 35 passengers, transporting up to 1,800 pilgrims per hour. This will be India’s first “THY-ES” tri-cable ropeway, designed for maximum safety. Adani Group will execute the project at a cost of ₹4,081 crore, with a 29-year maintenance responsibility.

Future Outlook: Pilgrim numbers to Kedarnath are increasing rapidly, having reached 1.77 million last year. Estimates suggest 2.5 million pilgrims by 2030 and around 4 million by 2040. Detailed geological and hydrological studies will precede construction to mitigate risks in the fragile Himalayan terrain. Officials believe that the combination of the tunnel, widened roads, and ropeway will transform the Kedarnath pilgrimage, making it more accessible and safer than ever before.