Pilgrims' Journey to Kedarnath and Hemkund Sahib to Become Easier with Ropeways

Modi Cabinet Approves Two Ropeway Projects Worth ₹6,800 Crore
The pilgrimage to Kedarnath and Hemkund Sahib in Uttarakhand will soon become easier for devotees, as the central government has approved two major ropeway projects to improve accessibility to these religious sites. The total cost of the project is approximately ₹6,800 crore.
These ropeways will significantly reduce travel time, making the journey more convenient for elderly devotees and those facing difficulties in trekking through the hilly terrain.

Details of the Ropeway Projects
1.    Sonprayag to Kedarnath Ropeway:
o    Length: 12.9 km
o    Travel Time: 30 minutes (compared to the current 6-7 hour trek)
2.    Govind Ghat to Hemkund Sahib Ropeway:
o    Length: 12.4 km
o    Significantly reduces travel time for pilgrims.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Vision
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed enthusiasm for the project, stating that the new ropeways will provide a smooth and comfortable journey for devotees, ensuring easier access to these sacred destinations.
He emphasized that the government is committed to developing world-class infrastructure for religious tourism, making pilgrimage routes more accessible and less time-consuming.

Improved Infrastructure for Kedarnath and Hemkund Sahib
•    The construction of the ropeways will start soon, with the goal of minimizing travel hardships for visitors.
•    The ropeway system will operate in both directions, significantly cutting down the travel duration, which currently takes 6-7 hours by foot.
•    Each ropeway ride will be completed within 30 minutes, ensuring pilgrims reach their destination swiftly.

Affordable Generic Medicines for Livestock Approved
₹3,880 Crore Sanctioned for Animal Health and Disease Control Program
In another key decision, the central government has approved ₹3,880 crore for a comprehensive livestock health and disease prevention program.
This initiative will provide high-quality, affordable generic medicines for livestock, benefiting farmers and livestock owners.

Key Features of the Livestock Health Initiative
•    Distribution of affordable veterinary medicines for disease prevention.
•    Focus on controlling major livestock diseases, including foot-and-mouth disease, brucellosis, peste des petits ruminants (PPR), classical swine fever, lumpy skin disease, and avian influenza.
•    Increased awareness and education programs to help farmers improve animal healthcare and boost dairy and livestock production.
The government aims to strengthen India's animal health infrastructure, ensuring better disease management and higher productivity in the livestock sector.