Shillong, Oct 23: Meghalaya’s proposed Rs 151-crore Shillong Peak ropeway project is targeted for completion by October 14, 2028, and is expected to improve access to the popular tourist viewpoint, ease pressure on existing roads and generate more than 450 direct and indirect employment opportunities, officials said on Friday.
The 913-metre ropeway, being implemented by the Meghalaya Ropeway Development Authority (MRDA), will feature 11 passenger cabins and two additional cabins.
The Tourism Department outlined the project’s design, environmental safeguards and community engagement measures during a briefing at the State Convention Centre.
The project aims to address longstanding difficulties in accessing Shillong Peak, where visitors have traditionally relied on routes passing through Defence-controlled land and subject to security restrictions.
According to the government presentation, efforts to improve access began in 2012 with the development of footpaths from Madan Laban and Upper Lumparing. However, the steep terrain limited their accessibility, prompting the government to explore the ropeway project in 2019.
The project will be funded through Rs 80.89 crore from the New Development Bank (NDB) and Rs 70.11 crore under the Prime Minister’s Development Initiative for North Eastern Region (PM-DevINE), through the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region.
Addressing concerns over forests, water sources and the surrounding landscape, officials said the ropeway alignment follows a ridge and that the environmental assessment had not identified significant impacts on catchment areas.
The proposed lower terminal will be located at a government forest nursery in Madan Laban, while the upper terminal is planned around 80 metres below the Shillong Peak viewpoint to preserve panoramic views and address Air Force security concerns.
According to the presentation, the ropeway towers will be situated outside the Umiew catchment and Mawphlang Dam area, with no water sources expected to be affected. The sacred site of Lum Shyllong is located 3.15 km from the proposed alignment.
Officials said the cables and cabins would operate above the tree canopy, limiting tree cutting to six tower locations and the two terminal stations. Reduced vehicular movement to the viewpoint could also help ease traffic congestion and emissions.
An Environmental Impact Study has been undertaken in accordance with NDB requirements, and the project will follow applicable environmental safeguards and statutory provisions.
The briefing was co-chaired by the MRDA chief executive officer and the Tourism Department’s Commissioner and Secretary. Officials said consultations and site inspections had been conducted with local stakeholders, including the Riat Laban Dorbar Pyllun.
The project is expected to create more than 450 direct and indirect jobs across tourism, hospitality, transport and retail.
Community representatives welcomed the clarifications provided during the briefing but said they needed time to examine the information before holding further deliberations.
The government urged stakeholders to cooperate with the project, highlighting its potential to strengthen tourism infrastructure, improve access to Shillong Peak and support local livelihoods.
IANS