Kedarnath Temple Access For Devotees To Become Safer And Faster With 7-Km Tunnel, Reducing Trek Distance By 11 Km: Report

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is reportedly planning to construct a 7-kilometer long tunnel leading up to the holy Himalayan shrine of Shri Kedarnath Dham in Uttarakhand's Rudraprayag district, a significant development that will provide two routes to reach the holy shrine in the next 4-5 years, Dainik Bhaskar reported.

One of these routes will ensure direct access to the temple year-round, regardless of weather conditions.

Currently, the 16-kilometer trek from Gaurikund to Kedarnath involves a challenging walk through Ramabada, Lincholi, and several steep climbs.

With the tunnel in place, the distance will be reduced to just 5 kilometers.

The decision comes as part of the government’s efforts to improve the safety of the pilgrimage route, particularly following the devastating floods of 2013, and annual halt on the Char Dham Yatra due to heavy rainfall-triggered landslides.

The ministry has already conducted an initial survey of the terrain through a consultant, marking the beginning of the tunnel project.

The tunnel will be constructed at an altitude of 6,562 feet in Uttarakhand, spanning from the last village in Kalimath valley, Chaumasi, to Lincholi, which is just 5 kilometers away from Kedarnath Temple.

A paved road currently connects Chaomasi to the nearest motorable point, and from there, pilgrims will travel through the tunnel, with a final 5-kilometer walk to the temple.

Existing Route

At present, the trek is divided into three segments: 9 kilometers from Gaurikund to Ramabada, 2 kilometers from Ramabada to Lincholi, and another 5 kilometers from Lincholi to the temple.

Future Alternate Route

The new route will follow the Rudraprayag-Gaurikund National Highway, progressing through Kund, Chunni Band, Kalimath, and Kotma, finally reaching Chaomasi, located 41 kilometers from Kund.

From Chaomasi, the 7-kilometer tunnel will provide access to Lincholi, followed by the 5-kilometer walk to Kedarnath.

Safer Route

The new tunnel route is expected to be more secure than the existing one, as it avoids landslide-prone zones.

According to Dainik Bhaskar report, an official onfirmed that no landslide zones were identified during the survey.

The path will cut through tough rock formations, ensuring stability.

Additionally, underground water seepage in some areas can be managed during the construction process.

Initially, there were plans to build the tunnel from Ramabada; however, the area was deemed unsuitable due to its vulnerability to landslides.

Kedarnath ropeway project

Earlier in March, the Union Cabinet led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi had approved the 12.9 km Kedarnath ropeway project.

The project will be developed on Design, Build, Finance, Operate and Transfer (DBFOT) mode at a total capital cost of Rs 4,081.28 crore.

The ropeway is planned to be developed in public-private partnership and will be based on the most advanced Tri-cable Detachable Gondola (3S) technology with a design capacity of 1,800 passengers per hour per direction (PPHPD) carrying 18,000 passengers per day.

The ropeway project will be a boon to the pilgrims visiting Kedarnath as it would provide an environment-friendly, comfortable and fast connectivity and reduce travel time in one direction from about 8 to 9 hours to about 36 minutes.

Also Read: 12.9 Km Kedarnath Ropeway: Adani Group Emerges As Preferred Bidder For The Project, Says Report