Shillong Ropeway Project Gains Momentum, Expected To Give Tourism A Boost

The Shillong Ropeway Project, eagerly anticipated for its potential impact on Meghalaya’s tourism sector, has successfully navigated significant hurdles and is progressing as planned. A review meeting involving officials from the New Development Bank (NDB) and the state Tourism Department was conducted to evaluate the project’s progress, which is currently in the initial phases with earth-cutting at the Lower Terminal Point located in Riat Laban.

Construction of civil infrastructure at the Lower Terminal, situated near the Madan Laban Nepali Secondary School, is slated for January 2026, followed by construction of the Upper Terminal near Shillong Peak. The ropeway, stretching 896 meters, will consist of six towers and feature modern 8-seater detachable gondola cabins.

Operational expectations indicate that the ropeway will be functional by June 2028; however, there are ambitions to expedite this timeline, aiming for completion by July 2027. The Lower Terminal will operate as the drive station, while the Upper Terminal will serve as the return station. Both terminals will be equipped with adequate space for efficient boarding and disembarking, as well as essential passenger amenities.

Utilizing a state-of-the-art Monocable Detachable Gondola (MDG) system from the French company POMA, the ropeway promises a quick four-minute journey featuring a vertical ascent of 299 meters and a speed of 5 meters per second, capable of accommodating 600 passengers per hour. The gondola cabins are designed to be fully enclosed with automatic doors, providing panoramic views of Shillong city and its scenic hills.

Both terminal stations will transform into dynamic tourist centers, complete with landscaped areas, cafeterias, souvenir shops, kiosks, tea and coffee outlets, waiting shelters, and clean public restrooms. Once operational, Meghalaya’s first passenger ropeway is anticipated to enhance connectivity to the iconic Shillong Peak, create job opportunities, and promote sustainable tourism, thereby bolstering Shillong’s reputation as a premier hill station destination.