SHILLONG, Jan 16: The state government has signed an agreement with the Riat Laban Dorbar Shnong to acquire 1.34 hectares of land around Shillong Peak on lease for 35 years for construction of the ambitious Rs 138-crore Shillong Ropeway project, the first of its kind in Meghalaya.
The government would also develop the entire area as a high-end tourist spot considering the fact that Shillong View Point is one of the most visited tourist sites in and around the city.
Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Monday presided over the ‘land-handing over’ ceremony at the picturesque Shillong Peak, kick-starting the dream project.
The ropeway project comprises of a lower terminal point (LTP) at the Forest Nursery Riat Laban to be built on 11146.96 sq m of land at an altitude of 838 m above MSL and will be accommodating a station building, concourse, a maintenance room, ticket room cum office, store room, security room, waiting area, public convenience and parking area.
The upper terminal point (UTP) has been proposed on a community land to be built on an area of 2025 sq m at an altitude of 1633 m above MSL and will be accommodating a station building, concourse, a ticket room cum office, a maintenance room, waiting area, food court, public convenience and cabin parking. Besides the terminal points, there will be nine towers built on an area of 251.17 sq m.
Speaking on the occasion, the CM said: “Tourism is one of the key sectors of the state contributing significantly to the economy and it boosts rural entrepreneurship. We launched the Homestay scheme under which 2500 homestays are being built across the state. We are providing training in hospitality to these entrepreneurs for capacity building. Other initiatives include inauguration of five-star hotels and launching of luxury vehicle schemes.”
Ropeway is one such initiative we have been trying to set up for another unique tourism experience. I would like to thank Riat Laban Dorbar Pyllun for entrusting us with the land area towards setting up this ropeway project.”
