Yamunotri Dham is one of the most revered Hindu shrines in India, situated in the Himalayan region of Uttarakhand. It is believed that this holy place is the source of River Yamuna. Every year, millions of pilgrims from all over India visit this shrine to seek blessings and pay homage to the river goddess. To make the pilgrimage easier and more accessible, the state government of Uttarakhand has announced the construction of a ropeway from Janki Chatti in Kharsali to Yamunotri Dham.
The new ropeway project is expected to reduce the travel time from Janki Chatti to Yamunotri Dham from the current 2 to 3 hours to just 20 minutes. This will make the pilgrimage more accessible to the elderly, differently-abled, and people who find it difficult to walk on steep slopes. The project is estimated to cost Rs. 166.82 crore, and it is hoped that the ropeway will not only make the pilgrimage more convenient but also boost tourism in the region.
Yamunotri Dham is part of the Char Dham Yatra, which includes four important Hindu shrines situated in the Himalayas: Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. The pilgrimage circuit is considered one of the holiest journeys for Hindus, and it attracts millions of pilgrims from all over India and the world every year. The Char Dham Yatra starts in April-May and ends in October-November, coinciding with the opening and closing of the temples due to heavy snowfall in the winter months.
The journey to Yamunotri Dham involves trekking on steep slopes and crossing rivers, which can be challenging for many pilgrims, especially the elderly and differently-abled. In the absence of proper infrastructure, many pilgrims are forced to walk on foot, which can be arduous and time-consuming. The new ropeway project is expected to address these challenges and make the pilgrimage more accessible to everyone.
Apart from reducing the travel time and making the pilgrimage more convenient, the ropeway project is expected to bring several other benefits to the region. It is expected to boost tourism and generate employment opportunities for the locals. The project will also help in the conservation of the fragile ecosystem of the region by reducing the number of vehicles plying on the roads.