Shillong, October 23: The proposed Shillong Peak Ropeway is expected to offer tourists an alternative way to reach one of Meghalaya’s most visited destinations, easing pressure on the existing road and improving access to the popular viewpoint.
The ₹151-crore project, being implemented by the Meghalaya Ropeway Development Authority (MRDA), will cover 913 metres and feature 11 passenger cabins and two additional cabins. It is targeted for completion by October 14, 2028, according to a government presentation.
At a briefing held at the State Convention Centre on Thursday, the Tourism Department outlined the project’s proposed benefits and responded to concerns raised by local communities over its environmental and social impact.
The ropeway is intended to address longstanding difficulties in reaching Shillong Peak, where tourist access has traditionally depended on passage through Defence-controlled land and security restrictions.
The government presentation traced efforts to improve access to 2012, when footpaths were developed from Madan Laban and Upper Lumparing. However, the steep terrain limited their usefulness for many visitors. The government decided to explore a ropeway in 2019.
The project is funded through ₹80.89 crore from the New Development Bank (NDB) and ₹70.11 crore under PM-DevINE through the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region.
Upper terminal planned below viewpoint
The government said the upper terminal would be located approximately 80 metres below Shillong Peak viewpoint. The location was selected to preserve panoramic views and address Air Force security concerns.
The lower terminal site was selected at a government forest nursery in Madan Laban after several locations were examined. The presentation said the site was assessed as having no impact on water catchment areas.
The ropeway is expected to improve the tourist experience and reduce pressure on the existing road. Officials also said it could create opportunities for local businesses and vendors.
Government outlines environmental safeguards
Responding to concerns over the project’s impact on forests and water sources, officials said the ropeway alignment runs along a ridge and that the environmental study had not identified significant impacts on catchment areas.
The government clarified that the ropeway towers would be located outside the Umiew catchment and Mawphlang Dam area, and that no water source would be affected.
Lum Shyllong, a sacred site, is located 3.15 km from the proposed alignment, according to the presentation. Officials said the route had been planned to minimise environmental disturbance.
The cables and cabins will operate above the tree canopy, with tree cutting restricted to six tower locations and the lower and upper terminal stations, the government said.
The ropeway is also expected to reduce vehicular movement to Shillong Peak, helping ease traffic congestion and emissions.
Officials said an Environmental Impact Study had been undertaken in accordance with NDB requirements and that the project would follow applicable environmental safeguards, mitigation measures and statutory requirements during implementation.
Community consultations and livelihood opportunities
The briefing was co-chaired by the chief executive officer of MRDA and the Commissioner and Secretary of the Tourism Department.
Officials said multiple consultations and site inspections had been conducted with local communities, including the Riat Laban Dorbar Pyllun, to discuss environmental concerns, water sources, landscape preservation and security.
The project is expected to generate more than 450 direct and indirect employment opportunities in tourism, hospitality, transport, retail and other allied sectors. Local vendors and businesses are also expected to benefit from improved access to the viewpoint.
Representatives of the local community welcomed the clarifications provided at Thursday’s meeting but said they would need time to review and deliberate on the information.
The government appealed to stakeholders to cooperate in implementing the project, saying the ropeway would improve access to Shillong Peak and support tourism-related livelihoods.
The ropeway is targeted for completion in October 2028.
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