Adani Enterprises Limited (AEL), the flagship company of the Adani Group, has been awarded a significant infrastructure project that promises to transform pilgrimage travel to one of India's most revered shrines. The company has received a Letter of Award (LoA) from the National Highways Logistics Management Ltd. (NHLML) for the construction of a ropeway connecting Sonprayag to Kedarnath.

Project Details

The ambitious project, valued at ₹4,081.00 crore, will be executed by AEL's Roads, Metro, Rail, and Water (RMRW) division. The 12.9 km ropeway is set to dramatically reduce travel time for pilgrims, cutting the journey from a strenuous 8-9 hour trek to a mere 36 minutes.

Key features of the project include:

• Capacity to transport 1,800 passengers per hour in each direction
• Total project duration of 6 years for construction
• 29-year operational period for AEL post-construction
• Development under Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model
• Revenue-sharing agreement with NHLML

Impact on Pilgrimage and Tourism

The Kedarnath ropeway project is expected to have a significant impact on religious tourism in the region. Kedarnath, which currently receives approximately 20 lakh pilgrims annually, will become more accessible to devotees. This improved accessibility is likely to boost tourism and create new employment opportunities in Uttarakhand.

Strategic Importance

For Adani Enterprises, this project marks its entry into the ropeway sector, expanding its infrastructure portfolio. The project aligns with the National Ropeways Development Programme – Parvatmala Pariyojana, showcasing the company's involvement in key national infrastructure initiatives.

Executive Commentary

Gautam Adani, Chairman of the Adani Group, emphasized the project's significance beyond its engineering aspects. He stated, "The Kedarnath ropeway is more than an engineering project – it is a bridge between devotion and modern infrastructure. By making this sacred journey safer, faster and more accessible, we honour the faith of millions while creating new opportunities for Uttarakhand's people through our partnership with NHLML and the Government of Uttarakhand."

Company Background

Adani Enterprises Limited has a track record of incubating and developing infrastructure businesses across various sectors. The company has previously built and divested successful entities in ports, energy solutions, power generation, green energy, and natural gas distribution. AEL's current focus areas include green hydrogen ecosystem, airport management, data centers, roads, and primary industries such as copper and petrochemicals.

In the roads and highways sector, AEL has built a portfolio of 14 projects covering over 5,000 lane kilometers since its entry in 2018. The company works on projects driven by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), and other central and state authorities.

The Kedarnath ropeway project represents a significant milestone in AEL's infrastructure development journey, combining technological advancement with cultural and religious significance.

Adani Enterprises Limited (AEL), the flagship company of the Adani Group, has received approval for a groundbreaking ropeway project that will revolutionize access to the sacred Kedarnath shrine. The company has been awarded a Letter of Award (LoA) from the National Highways Logistics Management Ltd. (NHLML) for the construction of a 12.9 km ropeway connecting Sonprayag to Kedarnath.

Project Details

Significance and Impact

The Sonprayag-Kedarnath ropeway project is set to transform the pilgrimage experience for the millions of devotees who visit the Kedarnath shrine annually. Currently, pilgrims face an arduous 9-hour trek to reach the temple. Once operational, the ropeway will drastically reduce this journey to a mere 36 minutes, making the pilgrimage significantly easier and more accessible.

Gautam Adani, Chairman of the Adani Group, emphasized the project's importance: "The Kedarnath ropeway is more than an engineering project – it is a bridge between devotion and modern infrastructure. By making this sacred journey safer, faster and more accessible, we honour the faith of millions while creating new opportunities for Uttarakhand's people."

Project Execution and Partnership

The project will be executed under AEL's Roads, Metro, Rail, and Water (RMRW) division. It is being developed on a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, with AEL sharing revenue with NHLML. This collaboration underscores the company's commitment to nation-building and infrastructure development.

Economic and Tourism Impact

Beyond improving accessibility for pilgrims, the ropeway project is expected to have significant economic benefits:

1. Job Creation: The construction and operation of the ropeway will generate employment opportunities in the region.
2. Tourism Boost: Enhanced accessibility is likely to increase the number of visitors to Kedarnath, potentially surpassing the current annual footfall of around 20 lakh pilgrims.
3. Regional Development: The project aligns with the National Ropeways Development Programme – Parvatmala Pariyojana, aimed at improving connectivity in hilly areas.

Adani Enterprises' Infrastructure Portfolio

This ropeway project marks Adani Enterprises' entry into the ropeway sector, expanding its already diverse infrastructure portfolio. The company's RMRW division, established in 2018, has built a significant presence in the roads and highways sector with 14 projects covering over 5,000 lane kilometers under various models.

As Adani Enterprises continues to diversify its infrastructure investments, the Sonprayag-Kedarnath ropeway project represents a significant step in combining technological innovation with cultural and spiritual significance, potentially setting a new standard for infrastructure development in challenging terrains.