By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Dec 16: The much-awaited Shillong Ropeway Project has cleared all major hurdles and is now firmly on track, marking a significant milestone for Meghalaya’s tourism sector.
A high-level review meeting between the New Development Bank (NDB) and the state Tourism Department was held on Tuesday to assess progress. Groundwork has already begun, with earth-cutting underway at the Lower Terminal Point in Riat Laban.
Civil construction at the Lower Terminal (Riat Laban, near Madan Laban Nepali Secondary School) is scheduled to start in January 2026, while work on the Upper Terminal near Shillong Peak will begin shortly. The 896-metre ropeway will feature six towers and modern 8-seater detachable gondola cabins.
“If all goes according to plan, the ropeway will be operational by June 2028. However, we are pushing hard to complete it ahead of schedule, by July 2027,” official sources revealed.
The lower terminal will function as the ‘drive’ station, while the upper terminal will serve as the ‘return’ station. Both stations will be developed with adequate space for smooth boarding and de-boarding, along with all necessary passenger facilities.
The state-of-the-art Monocable Detachable Gondola system, supplied by globally renowned French company POMA, will offer a swift four-minute ride covering a vertical rise of 299 metres at 5 m/s, with a capacity of 600 passengers per hour. Passengers will be treated to stunning aerial views of Shillong city and its surrounding hills from fully enclosed cabins with automatic doors.
Both terminals will be developed as vibrant tourist hubs with landscaped areas, cafeterias, vintage shops, kiosks, tea/coffee outlets, waiting shelters and clean public toilets.
Once completed, Meghalaya’s first passenger ropeway will not only enhance connectivity to the iconic Shillong Peak but also position the state capital as a premier hill station destination, create jobs and open new avenues for sustainable tourism.
