Shillong, Dec. 5: On December 4, 2024, Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Conrad K. Sangma unveiled the foundation stone for the Shillong Ropeway Project at Shillong Peak. He emphasized the government’s strong commitment to the project, describing it as something that Shillong City “deserves.” He also praised the collaboration with the Dorbar Shnong of Riat Laban, noting that the Dorbar would receive ₹1 crore in annual revenue from the project. This revenue, he stated, would significantly benefit the local community, especially the youth and the underprivileged. The Chief Minister emphasized that such cooperation would foster the growth of the tourism sector.
Shri Paul Lyngdoh, the Hon’ble Tourism Minister, noted that the project is a fitting gift for Shillong on its 150th anniversary as the capital of the state. He highlighted the divine significance of the location, referring to it as the cradle of Hima Shillong.
Shri Sanbor Shullai, MLA and Chairman of the Meghalaya Tourism Development Corporation expressed pride that the long-pending project for the constituency had been realized, thanking the Chief Minister for his efforts.
The project involves a passenger ropeway that will connect the Lower Terminal Point in Riat Laban, near Madan Laban Nepali Secondary School, to the Upper Terminal Point near Shillong Peak. The ropeway will be a Monocable Detachable Gondola System, with fully enclosed cabins and automatic doors. It will have a length of 896 meters, a level difference of 299 meters, and a capacity of 600 passengers per hour. The journey time is expected to be about four minutes.
Funded by the New Development Bank under the Meghalaya Ecotourism Infrastructure Development Project (MEIDP), the ₹175.03 crore project aims to promote tourism and improve amenities around the stations, which will include a cafeteria, vintage shops, kiosks, waiting shelters, public toilets, and tea/coffee shops.
The ceremony also saw the handing over of acceptance letters to KEC Company and POMA for their involvement in the project, along with a cheque for ₹1.5 crore to the Riat Laban Dorbar Pyllun for land lease. Dignitaries present included Shri Paul Lyngdoh, Shri Sanbor Shullai, Shri D.P. Wahlang (Chief Secretary), Dr. Vijay Kumar D. (IAS, Commissioner & Secretary), and Shri Cyril V.D. Diengdoh (IAS, Director of Tourism).
The Shillong Ropeway Project at Shillong Peak will feature a Monocable Detachable Gondola System. This system is designed with fully enclosed cabins equipped with automatic doors for added safety and convenience. The gondolas will offer a smooth and comfortable ride, enhancing the experience for visitors as they travel from the Lower Terminal Point in Riat Laban to the Upper Terminal Point near Shillong Peak. This modern design ensures both efficiency and passenger comfort, as well as safety, making the ropeway a key attraction for tourists visiting the region.
