Meghalaya government defends Shillong Peak ropeway plan, cites clearances and safeguards
Meghalaya government says the Shillong Peak Ropeway Project will follow statutory rules and environmental safeguards. The plan is estimated at ₹151 crore and is
The Meghalaya government has defended the proposed Shillong Peak Ropeway Project after concerns were raised by parts of the public. The Tourism Department, through the Meghalaya Ropeway Development Authority (MRDA), said the project is planned to follow applicable statutory requirements while also considering environmental, social and community issues.
The government said it planned the project in line with national laws and with environmental and social safeguard standards. It described the ropeway as a project meant to improve tourist movement and support local livelihoods. Officials also said the ropeway is expected to help cut greenhouse gas emissions by reducing dependence on road-based transport.
Funding, timeline and technical details
The Shillong Peak Ropeway Project is estimated at ₹151 crore. The plan will be funded through the New Development Bank (NDB) and the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) under the Prime Minister’s Development Initiative for North Eastern Region (PM-DevINE) scheme. The MRDA said ₹80.89 crore is from the NDB and ₹70.11 crore is provided by DoNER.
According to the authority, construction began on October 15, 2025. The ropeway is planned with a length of 896 metres and will include lower and upper terminals. It will use 13 cabins built to European (CEN) standards.
Approvals, land and public consultation
On environmental concerns, the government said it secured mandatory approvals before construction. It cited forest clearance for diverting 2.3257 hectares of forest land, compliance with the Forest Rights Act, and public consultations along with meetings with stakeholders. The MRDA also stated that environmental clearance was not required under the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification, 2006.
The authority said land needed for the work was leased by a local body, Rait Laban Dorbar Pyllun, to the Tourism Department. It added that a land lease agreement for 7,416.95 square metres was signed in January 2023. The MRDA further said permission was obtained to fell 544 trees through due process and that no-objection certificates were taken from relevant aviation and defence entities, including the Airports Authority of India and local air force and army units.
The government said it will continue engaging stakeholders during implementation to balance tourism infrastructure with environmental conservation.
