Priyanka Tiwari
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Earlier than the commencement of the 2025 Char Dham Yatra, the Prime Minister will pay a visit to the Mukhaba temple, which is the winter seat of goddess Ganga because the main shrine in Gangotri is not accessible during the winter months.
Maa Ganga’s idol is transferred during winter months from the Gangotri Temple, which is covered by snow. Prior to the commencement of the Char Dham Yatra in May, the idol will be returned to the Gangotri Temple through grand procession.
The PM's visit occurs before the commencement of the Char Dham Yatra in May when grave Kedarnath and Badrinath Dhams will be opened together with Gangotri and Yamnotri. Mukhba is on the banks of the river Bhagirathi. Last year, a record fifty lakh pilgrims visited the Char Dhams and the government anticipates even greater numbers in 2025.
“I am very much eager to visit this holy land that is known all over the globe for its spirituality and stunning beauty. Not only this, but it is also a unique example of our resolve ‘heritage as well as development,’” the PM reported.
A day in advance to the Prime Minister’s visit, the union cabinet also sanctioned enormous projects related to constructing a ropeway to Kedarnath and the shrine Hemkund Sahub in the vicinity. Fast paced development is also in place for the first ever Char Dham pilgrimage railway link which is from Rishikesh to Karnaprayag. A critical component of this is the 13.5 kilometer rail tunnel to Karnaprayag which is currently undergoing rapid construction and is scheduled for completion next year.
The Mandir Samiti at Mukhba temple might gift the PM a traditional Chapkan dress for him to pray while adorning it. He will also hold a public meeting at Harsil while setting a new trek and bike rally on course.
The Devbhoomi Uttarakhand double engine government has rolled out a dedicated initiative this year to enhance winter tourist traffic, “I am very excited,” said the PM. “This helps boost religious tourism and also allows many local businesses, particularly homestays, to benefit.”
As anticipated, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Dhami urged PM’s visit will further fuel tourism in the state. Chief Minister Dhami believes that as his government probes further into tourism, more investments will be made to improve traveling conditions within the region. Adi Badri, Markham, and Munsiyari are said to be on the top of the list. For the GMVN, this would add to its previous improvement of 2.6 crores from the previous year and optimistic projections in the forthcoming 2025-26 year. Emphasis is being placed on these tourist spots along with rest of Uttarakhand landscape which includes winter sports and sightseeing.
GMVN saw an increase in turnover in the last financial years, with the total revenue amounting to 3,146.63 lakh from 3,297.41 lakh in 2020 to 2021. In 2021 to 2022, revenue further increased to 3,297.41 lakh, and in 2022-23, the revenue jumped to 7,832.14 lakh. In 2023-24, GMVN turnovers further improved at 8,145.15 lakh, while 6,672.05 lakh came through between April to January in the current financial year.
Wednesday’s cabinet meeting voted to approve two ropeway projects for Uttarakhand that are part of the National Ropeways Development Programme – Parvatmala Pariyojna. These include a 12.9 km ropeway from Kedarnath via Sonprayag and a 12.4 km gondola ropeway from Govindghat to Hemkund Sahib.
The two key ropeway projects are anticipated to be completed within four to six years.
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