Gandhinagar, August 22: Gujarat is set to welcome over 4.7 million pilgrims and tourists who will utilize the ‘Udaan Khatola’ ropeway services to access its hilly religious sites by 2025-26. This surge highlights the increasing popularity of ropeway transportation in the state.
According to data released on Friday, the Pavagadh ropeway, located in Panchmahal, recorded the highest traffic with over 2.34 million visitors. Following closely is the Ambaji ropeway in Banaskantha, which served more than 1.55 million passengers, and the Girnar ropeway in Junagadh, accommodating over 831,000 travelers.
These figures include families, children, senior citizens, and individuals with disabilities. The increase in visitor numbers has also created job opportunities for local youth, as stated in the release.
The Girnar ropeway connects the base of the Girnar mountain range to the Ambaji Mata temple, spanning 2.12 kilometers. It is considered one of the longest ropeways in the world, situated at an altitude of 3,660 feet.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Girnar ropeway in October 2020. Currently, the system features 31 cabins and can transport 1,000 passengers per hour, with a journey time of approximately nine minutes.
Thanks to the ropeway, pilgrims can reach the Ambaji temple without the need to climb nearly 5,000 steps, making the journey much more accessible.
The Girnar hills are also home to the Guru Dattatreya temple, Gorakhnath temple, and historic Jain temples. This mountain range attracts tourists during festivals like Navratri and Janmashtami, while the monsoon season enhances the area’s beauty with clouds enveloping the peaks.
Due to its proximity to the Somnath temple and Gir Sanctuary, Girnar is part of a larger pilgrimage and tourism circuit. Usha Breco Limited operates the Girnar, Pavagadh, and Ambaji ropeways under its ‘Udaan Khatola’ brand.
Facilities available at all three sites include waiting lounges, dining areas, family entertainment centers, first aid services, wheelchairs, massage chairs, lockers, drinking water, restrooms, and mother care rooms.
The Girnar ropeway operates from 7 AM to 5 PM, the Pavagadh ropeway from 6 AM to 5:45 PM, and the Ambaji ropeway from 7 AM to 6 PM. The period from December to March is considered ideal for visiting these sites.
During this time, students can avail discounts on ropeway tickets, and special concessions are also available for individuals with disabilities.
The ropeway operator organizes an educational science and technology tour for school students annually from December to March under its ‘Sharad Mahotsav’ initiative. Tickets can be booked online.
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