Shillong, Jan 16: The Government of Meghalaya on Monday signed an agreement with Riat Laban Dorbar Pyllun for the construction of a Ropeway from Shillong Viewpoint to Forest Nursery Rait Laban.

The ‘Land-Handing Over’ agreement was signed by the Tourism Department of government of Meghalaya in the presence of Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma at the picturesque Shillong Peak.

The Ropeway is the first of its kind in the State of Meghalaya and proposes an alternative route to Shillong Viewpoint, East Khasi Hills, through construction of a Ropeway from Shillong Viewpoint (Upper terminal) to Forest Nursery Rait Laban (Lower terminal).

The Ropeway Project to be set up on 1.34 Hectares land, comes at an estimated cost of Rs.138 Crores.

Speaking on this occasion, CM Sangma said, “Tourism is one of the key sectors of the state contributing significantly to the economy and it boosts rural entrepreneurship. We launched Homestay scheme under which 2500 homestays are being built across the state. We are providing training in hospitality to these entrepreneurs for capacity building. Other initiatives include inauguration of five-star hotels and launching of luxury vehicle scheme. These are creating thousands of new job opportunities in the rural and urban areas and making Meghalaya a truly premium tourist destination.”
“Rope way is one such initiative we have been trying to setup for another unique tourism experience. I would like to thank Rait Laban Dorbar Pyllun for entrusting us with the land area towards setting up this Ropeway Project,” he further said.

Components of the Ropeway project

This Project comprises of: (i) Lower Terminal Point (LTP), has been proposed in existing Forest Nursery Rait Laban area to be built on 11146.96 sq. m at an altitude of 838 m above MSL and will be accommodating Station Building, Concourse, Maintenance Room, Ticket Room cum Office, Store Room, Security Room, Waiting Area, Public Convenience and Parking Area.

(ii) Upper Terminal Point (UTP) has been proposed on a community land to be built on an area of 2025 sq. m at an altitude of 1633 m above MSL and will be accommodating Station Building, Concourse, Ticket Room cum Office, Maintenance Room, Waiting Area, Food Court, Public Convenience and Cabin Parking. Other than these Terminal Points, there will be 9 Towers built on an area of 251.17 sq.m.

Ropeways are Monocable Detachable System having fully enclosed Gondola with automatic doors. The Ropeway Alignment will be single section and tourists coming to Shillong Peak Viewpoint can enjoy a magnificent panoramic view of Shillong Town and the entire pristine beauty of nature from this ropeway alignment.