Shillong Peak Ropeway has received a major boost after the Meghalaya government cleared the project following consultations with local Dorbars, residents, district officials and concerned departments. The decision comes amid concerns over tree felling, protection of water sources and the safety of the proposed infrastructure. Officials have said the project design has been revised to reduce environmental impact while incorporating technical and safety safeguards.
Shillong Peak Ropeway project clears key concerns
The latest development followed a meeting held on Saturday to address apprehensions raised by local communities. Officials and representatives subsequently conducted a joint inspection of the project site to assess environmental and construction-related issues.
Tourism Department Commissioner and Secretary R. M. Kurbah said the alignment had been planned to stay away from the main catchment area. He also said the Patakhana and Wahingdoh water sources would be protected.
According to officials, no water source in the immediate vicinity of the construction site is expected to be adversely affected by the project. The assurances are significant because water conservation has been one of the main concerns raised by residents and community representatives.
The Meghalaya government has also maintained that the project is being implemented after obtaining the required statutory approvals and with environmental and community safeguards in place.
Design revised to reduce tree cutting
Tree felling has remained one of the most sensitive issues surrounding the Shillong Peak Ropeway. Officials said the original design envisaged a lower height for the ropeway system. During the planning process, however, engineers found that infrastructure at that height could affect trees measuring up to about 25 metres.
The Detailed Project Report was subsequently revised. The height of the ropeway cable cars and stations was increased so that the system could pass above more trees and reduce the extent of cutting required.
Officials said around 545 trees have been felled for the construction of ropeway stations and associated works. They maintained that the tree felling was carried out only after the necessary statutory clearances were obtained.
As a compensatory measure, plantation work is being undertaken on a large scale. Officials have also indicated that additional plantation could be carried out if more land becomes available for the purpose.
Safety remains a key priority
Safety has emerged as another major focus as construction progresses. Officials said the technical design and safety standards of the Shillong Peak Ropeway have been reviewed by IIT Delhi.
The project also incorporates measures for ground stabilisation as part of its construction and safety planning. J. P. Singh, Resident Manager and Project Head of construction firm KEC-TCL, said safety would receive the highest priority during execution.
The involvement of technical experts is expected to provide additional oversight as construction moves forward, particularly given the area’s terrain and the need to ensure safe operation once passengers begin using the ropeway.
Local support gives Shillong Peak Ropeway momentum
Community participation has also played an important role in moving the project ahead. The Riat Laban Dorbar Pyllun Shnong has extended its support to the project after discussions with government representatives and a site inspection.
Its president, Iosterston Sun, said the Dorbar would provide cooperation to facilitate the timely completion of the ropeway.
Local representatives have highlighted the potential economic benefits of the project. Once operational, the ropeway could strengthen tourism around Shillong Peak while creating opportunities for local businesses and employment.
The project is also expected to offer visitors an alternative way to access one of Meghalaya’s prominent tourist attractions while potentially easing pressure associated with road-based tourist movement.
Tourism project targeted for completion by 2028
The Shillong Peak Ropeway is Meghalaya’s first major passenger ropeway project and has been officially targeted for completion by 2028. The construction company, however, has indicated that it will make efforts to finish the project ahead of schedule.
The project has been in development for several years, with public consultations dating back to 2022. Earlier discussions also focused on environmental and community concerns surrounding the proposed alignment and construction activities.
The government’s latest decision therefore marks an important stage in a project that has attracted both tourism expectations and environmental scrutiny.
For Meghalaya, the challenge now will be to ensure that construction progresses without compromising the safeguards promised to local communities. Continued monitoring of tree plantation, water-source protection, ground stability and technical safety will remain important as work advances.
With local Dorbars expressing support and officials outlining environmental and engineering measures, the Shillong Peak Ropeway is now positioned to move ahead. Its success will depend not only on completing the infrastructure but also on demonstrating that tourism development and environmental responsibility can be balanced in one of Shillong’s most sensitive landscapes.
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