47 Lakh Pilgrims Take Gujarat’s Ropeways to Sacred Hills

GANDHINAGAR: Gujarat’s sacred hills are witnessing a growing surge in pilgrimage tourism, with more than 47.32 lakh devotees and tourists using ropeway services during 2025-26 to reach the revered shrines of Girnar, Pavagadh and Ambaji.

The three ropeways, operated under the Udan Khatola brand, have emerged as a major attraction for pilgrims, particularly senior citizens, children, families and persons with disabilities who may find the traditional climbs challenging.

The Pavagadh Ropeway recorded the highest footfall, with over 23.43 lakh passengers, followed by Ambaji with more than 15.58 lakh and Girnar with over 8.31 lakh.

The growing visitor numbers are also generating employment opportunities for young people in surrounding areas and strengthening Gujarat’s religious tourism ecosystem.

Among the three, the 2.12-kilometre Girnar Ropeway stands out as a major engineering and tourism landmark. Inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in October 2020, the ropeway connects the Girnar foothills with Ambaji Mata Temple, located at an altitude of around 3,660 feet.

With 31 cabins and a capacity of 1,000 passengers per hour, the approximately nine-minute journey offers panoramic views of the Girnar hills while significantly reducing the physical challenge of climbing thousands of steps.

Girnar is home to several important religious sites, including the Ambaji, Guru Dattatreya and Gorakhnath temples and historic Jain temples.

The ropeway services also provide facilities such as waiting halls, food courts, first-aid services, wheelchairs, lockers, drinking water, toilets and mother-care rooms.

Officials and operators say the combination of convenience, safety and scenic beauty has made the ropeways an important part of Gujarat’s tourism infrastructure.

The services operate on different schedules, with Girnar from 7 am to 5 pm, Pavagadh from 6 am to 5.45 pm, and Ambaji from 7 am to 6 pm.

Special discounts are available for persons with disabilities, while school students can participate in educational STEM excursions under the Sharad Mahotsav initiative.