The government is poised to earn substantial revenue from the upcoming Kedarnath ropeway project, as the Adani Group has reportedly offered to share 42% of the project’s revenue with the state. This move not only marks a major step toward improving pilgrimage access but also sets a new benchmark in public-private partnership (PPP) models for religious tourism in India.
The ropeway project, planned between Sonprayag and Kedarnath, is being hailed as a transformative initiative that will ease travel for millions of devotees visiting the sacred Himalayan shrine each year. Once completed, the journey that currently takes hours on foot or muleback through challenging terrain will be reduced to just around 30 minutes, significantly improving safety, accessibility, and convenience.
Adani’s Bid: A Boon for the Government
According to reports, the Adani Group has emerged as the highest bidder for the Kedarnath ropeway under a revenue-sharing PPP model floated by the Uttarakhand government. In its bid, Adani quoted 42% of gross revenue as its share to be handed over to the government—an exceptionally high figure in such infrastructure projects, where typical revenue shares range between 5% and 20%.
This means that nearly half of the earnings from ticket sales, merchandise, and other services associated with the ropeway will flow directly into government coffers. This revenue can then be reinvested into further improving pilgrimage facilities, maintaining environmental safeguards, and boosting local livelihoods.
The offer underscores the commercial viability of religious tourism infrastructure and shows how corporate participation can align with public benefit in India’s fast-growing spiritual economy.
A Leap for Religious Tourism Infrastructure
The Kedarnath temple, one of the four Char Dham pilgrimage sites in Uttarakhand, draws lakhs of pilgrims annually. However, the arduous trek from Gaurikund to the temple—spanning nearly 16 kilometers of steep, mountainous terrain—has long been a challenge, especially for elderly and differently-abled devotees.
The ropeway project, once completed, is expected to transport around 6,000–10,000 passengers per day, reducing foot congestion on the path and minimizing environmental degradation caused by mules and makeshift infrastructure. The development also aligns with the government’s broader Char Dham connectivity plan, which includes road widening, tunnel construction, and ropeway systems across all four pilgrimage sites—Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri.
Boost to Local Economy and Employment
Aside from revenue sharing, the Kedarnath ropeway is anticipated to bring direct and indirect employment to thousands of locals. From construction workers and maintenance staff to hospitality providers and tour guides, the ripple effect of the project is expected to stimulate economic growth in the Rudraprayag district and surrounding areas.
Additionally, better connectivity could lead to a year-round tourism model, beyond just the Char Dham Yatra season, drawing adventure tourists, trekkers, and nature lovers. This would provide consistent income sources to the local population, who have long depended on seasonal pilgrimage traffic.
Environmental and Cultural Considerations
While the ropeway offers numerous benefits, environmental experts and cultural activists have raised concerns about the potential ecological impact. The Kedarnath region falls within a fragile Himalayan ecosystem that is prone to landslides, flash floods, and seismic activity.
Authorities have assured that the project will undergo strict environmental assessment, and the construction will use low-impact techniques to preserve the natural and spiritual sanctity of the area. The ropeway stations are also expected to blend architecturally with the region’s heritage and avoid visual pollution.
Setting a Precedent
The high revenue share proposed by Adani could set a new standard for future religious infrastructure projects across India. As faith-based tourism continues to expand, such projects could be structured to ensure not just commercial success for private players, but also meaningful financial and social returns for the public sector and local communities.
Looking Ahead
The Kedarnath ropeway is expected to be completed in the next two to three years, subject to necessary clearances and construction timelines. With Adani Group taking the lead and the government standing to earn a sizeable share of the profits, the project serves as a model of how spiritual heritage and economic development can go hand in hand.
As one of India’s holiest sites prepares to become more accessible, it’s not just the pilgrims who stand to gain — but also the people, the state, and the spirit of collaborative growth.