The Government of India has moved forward with plans for a 7km twin-tube tunnel on the approach to Kedarnath, linking Chaumasi in the Kalimath Valley near Guptkashi with Sonprayag.
The project aims to cut travel time for pilgrims and address safety risks on a stretch that is frequently affected by severe weather and traffic congestion.
The tunnel design includes emergency exits intended to support evacuation and safety measures during natural disasters or other unforeseen incidents, according to The Times of India.
The government will also undertake a feasibility study for a walkway and pedestrian tunnel from the Chaumasi side to improve connectivity to the Kedarnath shrine, the report said.
Currently, all vehicles heading towards Sonprayag and Gauri Kund use NH-107.
Under the plan, the existing single-lane road in Kalimath Valley, overseen by the Uttarakhand government, will be widened to two lanes to accommodate additional traffic once the tunnel becomes operational.
The report added that the Union road transport ministry held detailed discussions on the proposal with the Uttarakhand government last week.
Separately, the government has awarded Adani Enterprises the 12.9km Sonprayag–Kedarnath ropeway project.
The ropeway is expected to be commissioned in 2031–32, with a capacity of 1,800 pilgrims per hour and an estimated one-way travel time of 40 minutes.
