Adani Group, under the leadership of Chairman Gautam Adani, is spearheading a landmark infrastructure project that promises to transform the arduous journey to Kedarnath—a pilgrimage central to millions of Hindu devotees—into a safe, swift, and accessible experience. The 12.9-kilometer Sonprayag–Kedarnath ropeway is being constructed at an estimated investment of ₹4,081 crore and will significantly reduce travel time from the current 8–9 hour strenuous trek to just 36 minutes.
Cutting-Edge Technology: India’s First 3S Tri-Cable Ropeway
This ropeway system will employ the 3S tri-cable detachable gondola technology, considered among the safest and most advanced ropeway designs globally. The technology uses two carrying ropes for stability and one hauling rope for movement, offering high wind resistance, energy efficiency, and safety redundancy. Each gondola will comfortably seat 35 passengers, and the ropeway will have the capacity to transport approximately 1,800 passengers per hour in each direction, enabling efficient crowd management during peak pilgrimage seasons.
- Safety and Reliability: The 3S system’s patented cable rollers with spring mechanisms ensure smooth operation even in adverse weather.
- Comfort: Larger cabins deliver a smoother ride, crucial for elderly, women, and children, making the spiritual journey inclusive and physically manageable.
- Environmental Considerations: The ropeway reduces dependence on carbon-intensive alternatives like helicopters and animal transport, protecting the fragile Himalayan ecosystem.
केदारनाथ धाम की कठिन चढ़ाई अब आसान होगी।
— Gautam Adani (@gautam_adani) October 15, 2025
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!#Adani pic.twitter.com/9f3VIGAWt6
Project Management and Timeline
Awarded to Adani Enterprises Ltd (AEL) through a Design, Build, Finance, Operate, and Transfer (DBFOT) public-private partnership, the project will be executed by AEL’s Roads, Metro, Rail, and Water division. Expected to complete in approximately six years, the ropeway will then be operated for the next 29 years by AEL.
This PPP structure offers a financially sustainable model, with Adani sharing 42% of revenues with the National Highway Logistics Management Ltd (NHLML), allowing the government to benefit without upfront capital expenditure.
Socio-Economic Impact and Government Support To Adani Group
- Pilgrim Safety and Convenience: The ropeway drastically eases access to the Kedarnath shrine, known for its difficult terrain and volatile weather conditions.
- Tourism and Employment: By improving connectivity, the project is expected to boost tourism, generate jobs in construction, operations, and nearby hospitality sectors, uplifting the Uttarakhand economy.
- Faith Meets Infrastructure: Gautam Adani emphasized that the project is a “bridge between devotion and modern infrastructure,” aiming to honor faith while fostering regional development.
- Environmental Commitments: Adani Group promises sustainable construction with local stakeholder participation to preserve the area’s ecological balance.
Read this: Adani Group Partners with Google to Build India’s Largest AI Data Centre Campus in Visakhapatnam
Summary:
The Adani Group’s Sonprayag-Kedarnath ropeway project is set to redefine pilgrimage and regional development in India by combining world-class tri-cable ropeway technology, environmental sustainability, and socio-economic upliftment. This ₹4,081 crore endeavor will not only shorten journeys and enhance safety for millions of devotees but also create lasting economic opportunities in the Himalayas—true to Adani’s vision of blending tradition with futuristic infrastructure.
