Hemkund Sahib, July 12: The Gurudwara Sri Hemkunt Sahib Management Trust has expressed its deep gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for referencing the upcoming Hemkunt Sahib ropeway project during his address to the Indian diaspora in Auckland, New Zealand. The management, representing lakhs of devotees who undertake the annual pilgrimage, noted that the global mention reflects a strong commitment to the welfare of the Sikh community and the preservation of its heritage.
The planned 12.4-kilometre-long aerial ropeway will connect Govindghat to Hemkund Sahib Ji in Uttarakhand, fundamentally transforming the travel experience for nearly three lakh annual visitors. Currently, devotees must navigate a grueling 19 to 21-kilometre journey on foot, pony, or palanquin, which often demands a challenging 10-hour trek. Once operational, the new system will slash that travel time down to just 52 minutes, safely ferrying up to 1,100 passengers per hour in each direction.
Following the international acknowledgment, the Trust has urged the central administration and the Uttarakhand state government to expedite the commencement of groundwork on the prestigious project. The infrastructure upgrade is expected to provide immense relief and safety to vulnerable pilgrims, including the elderly, women, children, and individuals with special needs, while simultaneously boosting tourism throughout the Himalayan region.
The massive infrastructure undertaking carries an estimated budget of ₹2,730.13 crore. The initial foundation stone for the initiative was laid by the Prime Minister on October 21, 2022, during a high-profile visit to the border village of Mana in Uttarakhand.
“We are grateful for this visionary leadership and dedication to Sikh heritage and the welfare of pilgrims,” the Trust’s Chairman, Narendra Jeet Singh Bindra, affirmed from Govindghat. “This ropeway is not merely an infrastructure project but a true act of service to the Sangat, and we humbly request that the work begin at the earliest so that the devotees can reap its benefits soon.”
The management body has pledged its full support to coordinate smoothly with all relevant departments to ensure that the project advances efficiently while strictly preserving the sanctity of the holy shrine.
