SHILLONG : Cabinet Minister and South Shillong MLA Sanbor Shullai on Saturday said the Rs 150-crore Shillong Ropeway Project is expected to be completed next year after facing delays due to forest clearance issues and litigation.
Speaking during an inspection under the Central Government’s Pragati Prabhagat Path Yatra programme marking 12 years of the Modi government, Shullai said officials from KEC-TCL and the Engineering Wing of the Tourism Department confirmed that construction work is progressing as planned.
The ropeway will connect Shillong Viewpoint with Madan Laban, significantly improving tourism infrastructure and connectivity in the city. Although the project was awarded with a three-year completion timeline, the implementing agency has assured that it will be completed next year.
Shullai said Rs 3 crore has been sanctioned as land compensation for the Raid Laban Dorbar, with Rs 1.50 crore already disbursed. He also assured that local residents will receive first preference for employment opportunities and shop allotments once the ropeway becomes operational.
The minister said the project was delayed after a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) was filed before the Meghalaya High Court by vested interests. However, the court dismissed the petition in favour of the Tourism Department, allowing the project to proceed.
He added that the project has also received forest clearance from the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, with the condition that 10 trees must be planted for every tree felled.
The Shillong Ropeway Project is expected to become a major tourism attraction and boost economic opportunities for local residents once completed.