Dehradun: Despite frequent road blockades and a series of accidents, including chopper crashes, the Kedarnath Yatra has emerged as a powerful economic driver in Uttarakhand this year. In just one month since its commencement in early May, the pilgrimage has generated an estimated Rs 200 crore, breathing new life into the local economy, especially in the Rudraprayag district.

Officials attribute the brisk economic activity to a wide range of revenue-generating services linked to the pilgrimage. Horse and mule operators, who ferry pilgrims across steep and treacherous terrain, have earned approximately Rs 40.5 crore. Over 1.39 lakh devotees have used these services on the route between Gaurikund and the Kedarnath shrine.

Helicopter services have also witnessed high demand. Around 33,000 pilgrims have opted for aerial transport, availing chopper rides operated by eight companies across nine helipads. These operations have generated a business of nearly Rs 35 crore.

The traditional dandi-kandi (palanquin) services, typically used by the elderly and physically challenged, have contributed around Rs 1.16 crore. More than 7,000 registered porters have assisted over 29,000 yatris so far this season.

Local shuttle taxi services running between Sonprayag and Gaurikund — the last motorable point before the uphill trek — have recorded earnings of around Rs 7 crore. Meanwhile, the hospitality sector has topped the earnings chart. Hotels, dharamshalas, and eateries together have generated nearly Rs 100 crore. Of this, the state-run Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam (GMVN) accounted for Rs 3.8 crore through bookings and other services.

According to district officials, as of June 1, more than seven lakh pilgrims have visited the Kedarnath shrine, with an average daily footfall of 24,000. The pilgrimage, one of India’s most revered, has become a vital source of livelihood for thousands who rely on seasonal tourism.

Local officials vouch that the pilgrimage is not just a spiritual journey but also an engine of economic revival. “This year’s Kedarnath Yatra has become a major economic engine for the people of this region,” he stated. “Pilgrims are not only fulfilling their religious aspirations but also uplifting the local economy.”

Local traders, hoteliers, food vendors, and transport operators report that this is one of the most prosperous seasons in recent years. Many say the high inflow of pilgrims has helped them recover from the financial losses they suffered during the COVID-19 pandemic, when the Yatra was either suspended or severely restricted.

Despite the economic gains, authorities remain alert to the environmental and logistical challenges posed by the surge in visitors. Officials have emphasized the urgent need for better crowd management, efficient waste disposal, and sustainable infrastructure to protect the fragile Himalayan ecosystem.

With the Yatra season still underway, officials expect the economic upswing to continue, providing a vital source of income for porters, traders, transporters, and thousands of workers who depend on this annual pilgrimage for their survival.