SHILLONG, Dec 4: Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Wednesday unveiled the foundation stone for the Shillong Ropeway Project, which was laid by President of India Droupadi Murmu on January 16, in the presence of Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh.
The plaque marking the ceremonial laying of the foundation stone was unveiled at the project site – Shillong Peak viewpoint.
During the function, the chief minister and the tourism minister handed over the letter of acceptance to the construction firm – KEC International Limited and Tantia Construction Limited (joint venture) – to officially begin work on the project estimated to be Rs 175 crore.
Meghalaya’s first passenger ropeway project will be implemented in partnership with the France-based POMA, whose role will be to primarily supply the equipment.
The state government has been creating numerous infrastructure projects to promote tourism. The ropeway project is one such intervention.
Sangma also handed over the second instalment of Rs 1.5 crore to Glanding Lyngdoh, the general secretary of Riat Laban Dorbar Pyllun, which is part of the token amount of Rs 3 crore as land compensation.
Speaking on the occasion, he lauded the stakeholders for completing the necessary paperwork and official formalities for the commencement of the project.
“There were numerous challenges from land acquisition, permission and also the creation of the Meghalaya Ropeway Development Authority to ensure safety standards and licensing. The commencement of the project is the fruition of four long years of preparation,” the chief minister said.
He expressed gratitude to Raid Laban Dorbar Shnong Pyllun for extending cooperation. The project will pass through Laban, Madan Laban, Upper Lumparing, Lower Lumparing, Lumshatsngi, Oxford Hills, and Rngi Shillong.
Talking about community partnership for the project, Sangma said, “It is of great importance that the community partners with the government. The project is an outcome of a partnership among all stakeholders. This project will ensure revenue collection, which will benefit the Dorbar and other stakeholders of the project.”
He also lauded the armed forces, particularly the Indian Air Force, for extending their cooperation and support for the initiation of the project.
