Kedarnath Travel Transformed: New Tunnel & Ropeway Boost Safety, Cut Time

• Government approves 7-km twin-tube tunnel from Chaumasi to Sonprayag for Kedarnath pilgrims, enhancing safety and accessibility.
• The tunnel will serve as a critical emergency escape route, addressing rising pilgrim numbers projected to reach 4 million by 2040.
• A 12.9-km Sonprayag-Kedarnath ropeway, awarded to Adani Enterprises, will be operational by 2031-32, cutting travel to 40 minutes.
• Road widening in Kalimath Valley and mandated geological surveys (post-Silkyara tunnel incident) ensure comprehensive infrastructure development.
• Feasibility study for a dedicated pedestrian tunnel/walkway from Chaumasi is also planned, further improving connectivity and safety.

Why It Matters: New tunnel and ropeway projects will revolutionize Kedarnath pilgrimage, prioritizing safety and efficiency.