Meghalaya to Begin Construction of First Passenger Ropeway in October

Shillong, July 19, 2024 — The construction of Meghalaya’s first passenger ropeway project, initially approved by the state Cabinet in September 2022, is set to begin in October this year. Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh announced that the government will soon issue a new corrigendum, confirming that the project, delayed due to the monsoon season, will be completed within two years.

The ropeway, which will stretch from Lawsohtun to Shillong Peak, represents a significant investment in the state’s tourism infrastructure, with an estimated cost of Rs 138 crore. Initially slated to begin in July 2024, the project faced delays as the authorities considered the impact of the monsoon season on construction activities.

In May 2024, Minister Lyngdoh had indicated that tenders for the Shillong Ropeway Project would be opened post-Model Code of Conduct (MCC) by June 15, with work starting in July. However, the timeline was adjusted to ensure optimal conditions for construction.

The ropeway project is expected to enhance tourist accessibility to Shillong Peak, providing a new attraction that aligns with Meghalaya’s efforts to boost tourism and local economy. The initiative underscores the state’s commitment to developing sustainable and innovative tourism infrastructure.