Over 47 lakh pilgrims use Gujarat ropeways at Girnar, Pavagadh, Ambaji

Gujarat: Over 47 lakh pilgrims use Girnar, Pavagadh and Ambaji ropeways in 2025-26

Gandhinagar, Aug 21

According to details released on Friday, the Pavagadh Ropeway in Panchmahal recorded the highest footfall, with more than 23.43 lakh visitors, followed by the Ambaji Ropeway in Banaskantha with over 15.58 lakh and the Girnar Ropeway in Junagadh with more than 8.31 lakh users.

The figures include families, children, senior citizens and persons with disabilities. "The increase in visitors has also created employment opportunities for local youth," the release said.

The Girnar Ropeway, which connects the foothills of the Girnar mountains with the Ambaji Mata Temple, is 2.12 kilometres long and is described as one of the world's longest ropeways. The temple is situated at an altitude of 3,660 feet.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Girnar Ropeway in October 2020. The system currently has 31 cabins and can carry up to 1,000 passengers an hour, with the journey taking around nine minutes.

The ropeway provides access to the Ambaji Temple, located about 5,000 steps above the foothills, reducing the need for pilgrims to undertake the steep climb.

The Girnar hills are also home to the Guru Dattatreya Temple, Gorakhnath Temple and historic Jain temples. The hill range attracts visitors during Navratri, Janmashtami and Shravan, while the monsoon brings clouds around the mountains and adds to the area's appeal.

Its proximity to the Somnath Temple and Gir Lion Sanctuary also makes Girnar part of a wider pilgrimage and tourism circuit. Usha Breco Limited operates the Girnar, Pavagadh and Ambaji ropeways under its 'Udan Khatola' brand.

Facilities available at the three sites include waiting halls, food courts, family entertainment centres, first-aid services, wheelchairs, massage chairs, lockers, drinking water, toilets and mother care rooms.

The Girnar Ropeway operates from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., while the Pavagadh service operates from 6 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. and the Ambaji Ropeway from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. December to March is considered an ideal period to visit the three destinations.

Students can avail discounts on ropeway tickets during this period, while special discounts are also available for persons with disabilities.

The ropeway operator also conducts an educational STEM excursion for school students between December and March every year under its 'Sharad Mahotsav' scheme. Tickets can be booked online.

— IANS