GUWAHATI | The Assam government has proposed setting up a joint Ropeway Development Authority with the Centre to execute five ropeway projects across the state, including a direct connection between Kamakhya Railway Station and Maa Kamakhya Devalaya in Guwahati and a proposed route linking Ganganagar with Bhuban Pahar in Barak Valley.

Announcing the plan after the state Cabinet meeting on November 3, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said the proposed authority would be jointly owned by the Centre and the Assam government, with the Union government holding a 51 per cent stake and the state retaining 49 per cent. The initiative aims to improve connectivity to important religious and tourist destinations while exploring ropeways as an alternative mode of transport in areas where conventional road connectivity may be challenging.

The proposed authority will oversee the development of five ropeway corridors in different parts of Assam. The projects have been identified with a focus on religious tourism, scenic destinations and urban transport connectivity.

One of the key projects will connect Kamakhya Railway Station directly with Maa Kamakhya Devalaya, providing pilgrims and tourists with an alternative route to the hilltop shrine. Another proposed corridor will link Khanapara with Guwahati Railway Station, offering an additional transport option between two important locations in the state capital.

In the Barak Valley, the government has proposed a ropeway connecting Ganganagar with Bhuban Pahar, an important religious and tourist destination in Cachar district. The project is expected to improve access to the hilltop site and facilitate movement of pilgrims and visitors.

Two other projects have been proposed in the hill and northern parts of the state. In Dima Hasao district, the planned ropeway will connect Hempeupet Peak with the Jatinga Bird Watching Point, a destination known for its natural landscape and bird-related tourism. In Sonitpur district, another corridor will link Agnigarh with Bhairab Mandir.

According to the proposed arrangement, the joint authority will be responsible for taking forward the five projects, with the Centre and the state government participating through their respective equity stakes.

The ropeway initiative is part of the Assam government’s broader effort to strengthen tourism infrastructure and improve access to destinations with religious, cultural and ecological significance. If implemented, the projects could provide alternative connectivity in hilly terrain, reduce dependence on road transport along selected routes and create fresh opportunities for tourism-related activities.

However, the projects will require further planning, technical assessment, financial arrangements and implementation clearances before construction can begin. The proposed joint authority is expected to provide the institutional framework for coordinating the projects between the Centre and the state.