The Prime Minister has launched connectivity projects worth Rs 3,400 crores in Uttarakhand to boost connectivity and religious tourism activities in the region. The project includes the laying of foundation stones for two road widening projects at Rs 1,000 crores. The two projects – from Mana to Mana Pass (NH-07) and from Joshimath to Malari (NH107B) – shall be another step towards providing the last mile all-weather road connectivity to the border areas.
Apart from boosting connectivity, these projects will also prove beneficial from a strategic point of view as well. PM also laid the foundation stone of a 9.7 km long ropeway in Kedarnath directly connecting Gaurikund with Kedarnath and reducing the travel time between the two places from 6-7 hours currently, to only about 30 mins. Similarly, the 12.4 km long Hemkund ropeway will connect Govindghat to Hemkund Sahib and this will also reduce the travel time from over 12 hours to only about 45 minutes. This ropeway will also connect Ghangaria, which is the gateway to Valley of Flowers National Park.
The cost of the ropeway will be Rs 2,430 crore and will provide travelers with an environment friendly mode of transport, which is also safe, secure, and stable. These major infrastructure development projects are not just aimed at boosting religious tourism but also to improve economic development of the entire region.
