Shillong, July 28: The Meghalaya Ropeway Development Authority, Tourism Department, Government of Meghalaya, has taken note of the concerns expressed by certain sections of the public regarding the Shillong Peak Ropeway Project.
The Authority wishes to reiterate that the project has been planned and is being implemented in accordance with all applicable statutory requirements, with due consideration to environmental, social and community concerns.
The Shillong Peak Ropeway Project is a prestigious project of the Government of Meghalaya funded by the New Development Bank (NDB) and the DoNER Ministry under the Prime Minister’s Development Initiative for North Eastern Region (PM-DevINE) Scheme.
The total cost of the project is ₹151 Crore, out of which ₹80.89 Crore is funded by NDB and the remaining ₹70.11 Crore by the DoNER Ministry. Construction work commenced on 15th October 2025, following National and International Safeguard Standards (Environment & Social).
The ropeway will be 896 m long and will have lower and upper terminal points, 13 cabins and has been designed as per CEN (European) standards. When completed, it will be one of the best world-class passenger ropeways in the country.
The project will not only improve tourists’ commuting experience, but will also contribute to increased employment and livelihood opportunities for the local community. The project will also result in reduced greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) through the replacement of road travel by the ropeway.
The project has been developed by the Tourism Department in partnership with the Rait Laban Dorbar Pyllun, which has agreed to lease the land for the project. The project has been taken up only after obtaining all permissions relating to environmental safeguards, following national laws and international best practices.
The complete list of statutory approvals, clearances and permissions obtained for the project is as, Forest Clearance (for diversion of 2.3257 Ha of Forest Land) was obtained from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) on 24 October 2024 applied on 28 November 2023.
Land of 2.3257 Ha was transferred to the Forest Department for Compensatory Tree Plantation on 22 September 2023. Compliance with the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006 for diversion of forest land was duly followed.
Public Consultation was carried out with members of the community on 27 September 2022, and multiple meetings were conducted with the Government of Meghalaya and stakeholder representatives of the community.
As per the EIA Notification, 2006, Environmental Clearance is not required for the project. Land Lease Agreement for 7,416.95 sq.m was signed between the Riat Laban Dorbar Pyllun and the Tourism Department on 16 January 2023.
Tree cutting permission for 544 trees was obtained from the Forest Department, and all trees have been marked and felled following the due process. NOC from the Airports Authority was received on 24 April 2023. NOC from the Air Force Station was received on 26 July 2023. NOC from the Indian Army was received on 07 August 2023.
The Government remains committed to balancing development with environmental conservation, and will continue to engage with stakeholders in a transparent and responsible manner throughout the implementation of the project.
Protecting Meghalaya’s natural heritage while creating sustainable opportunities for its people continues to remain a guiding principle of the Government’s Tourism Development strategy.
