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Centre okays ropeways for Kedarnath, Hemkund Sahib to cut long treks, ease pilgrim travel

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Dehradun: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Wednesday approved two key ropeway projects connecting Sonprayag to Kedarnath and Govindghat to Hemkund Sahib for Uttarakhand . The projects aim to provide faster and more comfortable access to the sites for pilgrims who have to endure long and challenging treks to reach them. The approval came a day before the PM’s scheduled visit to Uttarkashi district.
The two projects will be developed under the Design, Build, Finance, Operate, and Transfer (DBFOT) model. The 12.9km Sonprayag-Kedarnath ropeway will be built for Rs 4,081 crore, while the 12.4km Govindghat-Hemkund Sahib ropeway will require an investment of Rs 2,730 crore.
The Sonprayag-Kedarnath ropeway will be constructed through a public-private partnership (PPP) and will use tri-cable detachable gondola (3S) technology. It will have a capacity of 1,800 passengers per hour per direction (PPHPD), allowing 18,000 pilgrims to travel daily. The ropeway will cut travel time from 8-9 hours to just 36 minutes.
Chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, who had discussed the issue with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his previous visit to Delhi, said, “These projects are highly significant. They will greatly benefit pilgrims, especially the elderly, by reducing travel time from several hours to just a few minutes.”
Officials said the project would provide an eco-friendly, all-weather transport option for devotees. They highlighted that the project would create significant employment in construction, operation, and tourism-related industries, such as hospitality, travel, and food & beverage (F&B). It will also support balanced socio-economic development and last-mile connectivity in the Himalayan region.
At present, reaching Kedarnath Temple requires a 16km trek from Gaurikund, which pilgrims undertake on foot, ponies, palanquins, or helicopters. The ropeway is expected to make travel easier, faster, and more accessible throughout the pilgrimage season. Kedarnath, one of the 12 sacred Jyotirlingas, sits at 3,583 meters (11,968 feet) in Uttarakhand’s Rudraprayag district and is open to pilgrims for six to seven months annually, attracting around 20 lakh visitors during that period.
The Govindghat-Hemkund Sahib ropeway will use monocable detachable gondola (MDG) technology for the 10.5km stretch from Govindghat to Ghangaria and tri-cable detachable gondola (3S) technology for the 1.8km section from Ghangaria to Hemkund Sahib. It will have a design capacity of 1,100 PPHPD, carrying up to 11,000 passengers per day.
Currently, the journey to Hemkund Sahib involves a 21km uphill trek from Govindghat, which pilgrims cover on foot, ponies, or palanquins. The ropeway will provide an all-weather, last-mile transport solution for pilgrims and visitors heading to the Valley of Flowers, a Unesco World Heritage Site located in the Garhwal Himalayas.
Hemkund Sahib Gurdwara, located at 4,632 meters, is open for five months annually, from May to Sept, attracting 1.5 to 2 lakh devotees. The ropeway is expected to enhance pilgrimage experiences while promoting sustainable tourism in the region.





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Bilaspur Set to Transform into Himachal’s Ultimate Adventure and Spiritual Hub

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Move over, Manali and Shimla! Bilaspur is gearing up to become the state’s next big tourism hotspot, blending adrenaline-pumping adventures with serene spiritual experiences. The district administration has rolled out ambitious plans to develop water, land, and aerial tourism, promising something for thrill-seekers, pilgrims, and nature lovers alike.

A Sky-High Attraction: The Glass Bridge

Imagine walking on a transparent bridge, suspended high above breathtaking landscapes—Bilaspur’s upcoming Glass Bridge at Bharari will do just that! Designed to rival global attractions, this engineering marvel will offer daredevils an unforgettable experience while giving tourists a reason to extend their stay. Officials confirm the blueprint is ready, and construction will kick off soon after final approvals.

Sailing Through Scenic Routes: The Water Metro

Pilgrims visiting Maa Naina Devi will soon have a faster, more scenic journey thanks to the proposed Water Metro, connecting Bhakra Ghat to Kosariya Ghat. This isn’t just about convenience—it’s about turning travel into an experience. Devotees and tourists can hop on boats, enjoy the tranquil waters, and even transport their vehicles via waterways.

Jet Skis, Kayaking & More: Water Sports at Nakrana

Bhakra Dam’s pristine waters are about to get a lot more exciting! The district is eyeing water sports like jet skiing, kayaking, and boating to attract adventure junkies. The best part? Pilgrims heading to Naina Devi can now add a splash of adventure to their spiritual trip.

Bharari – The New Stopover Destination

Strategically located near Shimla, Manali, and Dharamshala, Bharari will soon feature modern tourist hubs with food plazas, parking, rest areas, and info centers. No more cramped pit stops—just smooth, comfortable breaks for travelers.

Listening to Locals: Boaters Get a Voice

Deputy Commissioner Rahul Kumar made sure local boat operators were heard during inspections, promising quick fixes to their concerns. This people-first approach ensures tourism growth benefits everyone.

Bilaspur’s transformation isn’t just about flashy infrastructure—it’s about jobs for youth, better travel experiences, and putting this hidden gem on India’s tourism radar. With projects set to launch soon, the district is poised to become a must-visit for those seeking adventure, spirituality, and untouched natural beauty.



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Shiva Tribe Debuts in Gurgaon’s Tikli-Raiseena: IMPC’s Bold Step to Merge Spirituality, Rural Tourism, and Modern Family Wellness

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New Delhi [India], August 4: In the lush rural landscape of Tikli-Raiseena near Gurgaon, a new chapter in India’s spiritual and rural tourism ecosystem quietly unfolded. The International Mandir Prabandhak Committee (IMPC) launched its ambitious spiritual wellness initiative–Shiva Tribe–an experience-driven, immersive space designed to reconnect Gen Z and modern families with India’s timeless spiritual roots.

Set against the tranquil backdrop of Haryana’s Aravalli fringes, Shiva Tribe is more than a mandir–it is a curated journey of self-discovery, holistic wellness, and cultural revival, seamlessly merging ancient wisdom with modern aspirations. The inaugural three-day Pran Pratishtha Mahotsav was held in July, graced by spiritual luminaries including Pujya Shri Sudhanshu Ji Maharaj, Pujya Shri Dayanand Ji Maharaj, and dignitaries such as Haryana’s former Minister Shri Om Prakash Dhankar. Business leaders, rural development advocates, and spiritual patrons attended in significant numbers–signaling a rising interest in faith-based tourism models.

Spiritual Tourism: India’s Growing Wellness Sector

India’s spiritual tourism market is undergoing a silent revolution. According to the Ministry of Tourism, the wellness and spiritual tourism segment is projected to reach USD 30 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of over 10%. With over 330 million domestic religious tourists recorded annually and rising international interest in authentic Indian experiences, initiatives like Shiva Tribe have the potential to create high-value, low-impact tourism models in rural belts–generating employment, fostering entrepreneurship, and revitalizing local economies.

“In today’s fragmented lifestyle, families are searching for meaningful escapes–not just vacations. Shiva Tribe is that sacred pause–a place to reconnect, reflect, and realign, together,” said Dr. Preet Sandhuu, mentor of the project and a key voice in India’s contemporary spiritual movement.

A New Blueprint: Spirituality Meets Community Living

Unlike traditional spiritual centers, Shiva Tribe offers a complete spiritual-eco retreat–including weekend live devotional music by its in-house ‘Shiva Tribe Band’, yoga sessions, mantra-infused meditations, Vedic rituals, and stay facilities for families. It’s a full-circle experience designed to inspire urban youth and families alike to step into a more conscious, value-driven lifestyle.

“Here, spirituality is not a sermon–it’s an experience,” said Shri MP Singh, project visionary and founder of ShivaTribe. “We want to build a network of such community-driven centers across rural India, using temple heritage as a catalyst for rural rejuvenation and youth engagement.”

Rural Regeneration Through Faith

The Tikli model aligns with India’s rural tourism policy goals by transforming underexplored rural regions into mindful tourism destinations. With over 60% of India’s population residing in villages, initiatives like this leverage India’s spiritual capital to promote rural entrepreneurship, handicrafts, organic farming, and ecotourism–creating a sustainable rural economy rooted in culture and community.

IMPC’s Broader Mission

The International Mandir Prabandhak Committee (IMPC), known for initiatives like the Mahasangam Yatra, Trisul Yatra and Shiv-Shakti Kendras, is rapidly becoming a bridge between India’s ancient temple traditions and its digital future. Its work focuses on temple modernization, spiritual leadership development, and community revival–backed by collaborations with scholars, saints, and civic leaders.

By anchoring the Shiva Tribe initiative in Tikli, IMPC demonstrates how faith-based community models can attract tourism, foster economic inclusion, and support national goals like ‘Viksit Bharat’ and ‘Digital Bharat’.

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(ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by VMPL. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)

(This content is sourced from a syndicated feed and is published as received. The Tribune assumes no responsibility or liability for its accuracy, completeness, or content.)



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10 oldest temple towns in India for spiritual getaways – The Times of India

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10 oldest temple towns in India for spiritual getaways  The Times of India



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