Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 2 Sep: A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed at the Secretariat here today between the Uttarakhand government and the National Highways Logistics Management Limited (NHLML) for the construction of ropeways to Kedarnath and Hemkund Sahib under the Parvatmala Project. The MoU was signed 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 was also present on the occasion.
As per the agreement, NHLML will hold a 51 per cent equity stake in the project, while the state government will retain 49 per cent. Under the revenue-sharing arrangement, 90 per cent of the funds will be utilised within Uttarakhand in the sectors of tourism, transport, and mobility.
On this occasion, Dhami noted that this agreement would open new avenues in tourism, employment, environmental protection, and infrastructure, while also showcasing the religious and cultural heritage of Uttarakhand on the global stage. He reminded that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approval had been given for the construction of a 12.9 kilometre ropeway from Sonprayag to Kedarnath at an estimated cost of about Rs 4,100 crores and a 12.4 kilometre ropeway from Govindghat to Hemkund Sahib at a cost exceeding Rs 2,700 crores.
The CM emphasised that these projects would set new benchmarks in ropeway connectivity in Uttarakhand and would significantly contribute to strengthening the state’s economy. He further reminded that rail, road, and ropeway connectivity are being rapidly expanded in the state under the leadership of the PM. He added that the ongoing works include the Chardham All-Weather Road, Delhi–Dehradun Expressway, Sitarganj–Tanakpur Motorway, Paonta Sahib–Dehradun route, Banbasa–Kanchanpur corridor, Bhaniyawala–Rishikesh road, Kathgodam–Lalkuan stretch, Haldwani Bypass, as well as road connectivity projects in border areas. He also claimed that swift progress has been made on the expansion of railway connectivity in the state.
Union Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways Ajay Tamta described the day as historic for the development of ropeways in Uttarakhand. He said that under the guidance of the PM and the leadership of the CM, rapid progress is being witnessed across all sectors in the state. He noted that once these ropeways are completed, devotees will find it far more convenient to reach Kedarnath and Hemkund Sahib for darshan.
Tourism Minister Satpal Maharaj observed that the agreement would play a vital role in enhancing tourism in Uttarakhand. He added that the ropeways would also boost the local economy and generate employment opportunities.
Among those present on the occasion were Principal Secretary RK Sudhanshu, Additional Secretary, Road Transport and Highways, Government of India, Vinay Kumar, Secretaries Dilip Jawalkar, Dhiraj Garbyal, Yugal Kishore Pant, Chief Executive Officer, NHLML, Rajesh Malik, Vice President, Ropeway, NHLML, Prashant Jain, Additional Secretary Abhishek Rohila, and various officials from the Tourism Department.
