Meghalaya’s ₹151-Crore Shillong Peak Ropeway Targets October 2028 Completion

Meghalaya’s proposed ₹151-crore Shillong Peak ropeway project is expected to improve tourist access to the popular viewpoint, ease pressure on existing roads and generate new livelihood opportunities, with completion targeted for October 14, 2028, officials said on Friday.

The project, being implemented by the Meghalaya Ropeway Development Authority (MRDA), will cover a distance of 913 metres and feature 11 passenger cabins along with two additional cabins.

The Tourism Department outlined the proposed ropeway’s design, environmental safeguards and community consultation measures during a briefing at the State Convention Centre.

The project aims to address longstanding access challenges at Shillong Peak, where visitors have traditionally relied on routes passing through Defence-controlled land, which is subject to security restrictions.

Project funding and terminal locations

According to the government’s 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 state to explore a ropeway project in 2019.

The project’s funding comprises ₹80.89 crore from the New Development Bank (NDB) and ₹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.

The proposed upper terminal will be situated around 80 metres below the Shillong Peak viewpoint to preserve panoramic views and address Air Force security concerns.

The lower terminal is planned at a government forest nursery in Madan Laban. Officials said the site had been assessed and was not expected to affect water catchment areas.

Government outlines environmental safeguards

Officials said the ropeway alignment follows a ridge and that the environmental assessment had not identified significant impacts on catchment areas.

According to the government presentation, the towers will be located outside the Umiew catchment and Mawphlang Dam area, with no water sources expected to be affected. The sacred site of Lum Shyllong is situated 3.15 km from the proposed alignment.

The cables and passenger cabins are designed to operate above the tree canopy, with tree cutting expected to be restricted to six tower locations and the two terminal stations.

Officials also said the ropeway could reduce vehicular movement to the viewpoint, potentially helping ease traffic congestion and emissions.

An Environmental Impact Study has been conducted in accordance with NDB requirements. The project will also be subject to applicable environmental safeguards and statutory provisions.

Community consultations and employment potential

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 government expects the project to generate more than 450 direct and indirect employment opportunities 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 state government urged stakeholders to cooperate with the project, citing its potential to strengthen tourism infrastructure, improve access to Shillong Peak and support livelihoods in surrounding communities.

The project’s progress will depend on implementation timelines, compliance with environmental and statutory requirements, and continued engagement with local stakeholders.