The long-awaited Shillong Ropeway Project has overcome all major hurdles and is now firmly back on track, marking a significant milestone for Meghalaya’s tourism sector.
A high-level review meeting between officials of the New Development Bank (NDB) and the state Tourism Department was held on Tuesday to assess the progress of the project. Preliminary groundwork has already commenced, with earth-cutting work underway at the Lower Terminal Point in Riat Laban.
Civil construction at the Lower Terminal at Riat Laban, near Madan Laban Nepali Secondary School, is scheduled to begin in January 2026, while construction of the Upper Terminal near Shillong Peak is expected to start shortly thereafter. The 896-metre ropeway will comprise six towers and feature modern 8-seater detachable gondola cabins.
According to official sources, the ropeway is expected to be operational by June 2028. However, efforts are being made to complete the project ahead of schedule, with a targeted completion date of July 2027.
The Lower Terminal will function as the drive station, while the Upper Terminal will serve as the return station. Both stations will be developed with adequate space to ensure smooth boarding and de-boarding, along with all essential passenger amenities.
The state-of-the-art Monocable Detachable Gondola (MDG) system, supplied by renowned French company POMA, will offer a swift four-minute journey, covering a vertical rise of 299 metres at a speed of 5 metres per second, with a passenger handling capacity of 600 persons per hour. The fully enclosed gondola cabins, equipped with automatic doors, will offer panoramic aerial views of Shillong city and the surrounding hills.
Both terminal stations will be developed as vibrant tourist hubs, featuring landscaped areas, cafeterias, souvenir shops, kiosks, tea and coffee outlets, waiting shelters and clean public toilets.
Once completed, Meghalaya’s first passenger ropeway is expected to significantly improve connectivity to the iconic Shillong Peak, generate employment, and open new avenues for sustainable tourism, further strengthening Shillong’s position as a premier hill station destination.
