SHILLONG, Oct 23: The Meghalaya government has held a stakeholders’ meeting to address concerns over the proposed Rs 151-crore Shillong Peak Ropeway Project, which aims to improve access to Shillong Viewpoint and support tourism-dependent livelihoods.
The Department of Tourism organised the meeting on October 22 under the Meghalaya Ropeway Development Authority (MRDA). Tourism Department Commissioner and Secretary RM Kurbah chaired the meeting, which was attended by MRDA Chief Executive Officer Cyril Diengdoh, officials from various departments, members of the Riat Laban Dorbar Pyllun and representatives of the Joint Action Committee (JAC).
Diengdoh outlined the proposed route, funding arrangements, environmental considerations and expected benefits for local communities.
The project, funded by the New Development Bank and the Government of India under the PM-DevINE scheme, proposes a 913-metre monocable gondola ropeway. The journey between the lower terminal at Madan Laban and the upper terminal near Shillong Viewpoint is expected to take five to six minutes.
Diengdoh said the project was conceived to address access restrictions at Shillong Viewpoint, a major tourist attraction in Meghalaya. The existing approach passes through defence land, where visitor movement is regulated, often leading to long waiting times. These restrictions also affect vendors and others who depend on tourism for their livelihoods.
The ropeway is expected to generate direct and indirect employment and provide local vendors with better opportunities to serve visitors.
Responding to environmental concerns, Diengdoh said the electrically operated ropeway would not emit smoke during operation. It was also expected to reduce the number of vehicles travelling to the viewpoint, helping to ease traffic congestion and limit vehicular pollution.
He clarified that the proposed project would not be located at Lum Shillong, a sacred site belonging to the local community. Instead, the ropeway would connect Madan Laban with an upper terminal near the existing viewpoint.
According to Diengdoh, officials finalised the alignment after several site inspections, taking into account environmental concerns, water sources, catchment areas, the surrounding landscape and security requirements.
He added that Shillong Viewpoint would continue to function as a tourist destination, with plans to improve visitor facilities and provide better stalls for existing vendors.
Officials said the project had undergone an extended planning process involving consultations and clearances from state and central authorities, including forest clearance from the Ministry of Environment and Forests.
Participants raised concerns about the proposed location, water sources, air pollution and the extent of public consultation. The meeting allowed the department to respond to their questions and receive suggestions from community representatives and other stakeholders.
The Tourism Department said the project aimed to improve access to Shillong Viewpoint, strengthen tourism-related livelihoods and provide a more sustainable transport option while taking local concerns into account.
