SHILLONG: The Shillong Ropeway Project has cleared major administrative and technical hurdles and is moving steadily toward execution, marking a significant boost for Meghalaya’s tourism infrastructure.

Progress on the project was reviewed during a meeting between the New Development Bank (NDB) and the Meghalaya Tourism Department on Tuesday, where officials expressed satisfaction with the pace of preparatory work.

Ground preparation has already commenced at the Lower Terminal Point in Riat Laban. Civil construction at the Lower Terminal, located near Madan Laban Nepali Secondary School, is scheduled to begin in January 2026. Work on the Upper Terminal near Shillong Peak is expected to start shortly.

The ropeway will span 896 metres and feature six towers with 8-seater detachable gondola cabins. Once completed, the project is expected to become operational by June 2028, although authorities are aiming to advance the timeline and complete it by July 2027.

According to officials, the Lower Terminal will function as the ‘drive’ station, while the Upper Terminal will serve as the ‘return’ station. Both terminals will provide designated spaces for boarding and deboarding, along with essential passenger facilities.

The system will use a Monocable Detachable Gondola (MDG) technology supplied by French firm POMA. The ropeway will offer a four-minute ride, covering a vertical rise of 299 metres at a speed of 5 metres per second, with a carrying capacity of up to 600 passengers per hour.

Passengers will travel in enclosed cabins equipped with automatic doors, offering panoramic views of Shillong city and the surrounding hills. Plans for both terminals include landscaped areas, cafeterias, kiosks, retail shops, tea and coffee outlets, waiting shelters, and public toilets.

Officials said the ropeway is expected to significantly improve access to Shillong Peak, strengthen tourism in the state capital, create employment opportunities, and promote sustainable and eco-friendly tourism in Meghalaya.