Shillong, July 28: The Meghalaya Ropeway Development Authority (MRDA) has clarified that the Shillong Peak Ropeway Project is being implemented in accordance with all applicable statutory requirements, while taking into account environmental, social and community concerns. The clarification was issued following concerns raised by certain sections of the public over the project.
According to the MRDA, the ₹151-crore Shillong Peak Ropeway Project is being funded jointly by 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. Of the total project cost, ₹80.89 crore is being funded by the NDB, while the remaining ₹70.11 crore is being provided by the DoNER Ministry.
Construction of the ropeway began on October 15, 2025, following national and international environmental and social safeguard standards. The proposed ropeway will be 896 metres long, with lower and upper terminal points and 13 passenger cabins. The MRDA said the project has been designed according to CEN European standards and, once completed, is expected to be among the country’s world-class passenger ropeways.
The Authority said the project is expected to improve the commuting experience for tourists while generating employment and livelihood opportunities for local communities. It is also expected to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions by replacing a portion of road travel with ropeway transportation. The project is being developed by the Tourism Department in partnership with the Riat Laban Dorbar Pyllun, which has agreed to lease land for the project.
Addressing environmental concerns, the MRDA said the project was taken up only after obtaining the required permissions and clearances. Forest clearance for diversion of 2.3257 hectares of forest land was granted by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change on October 24, 2024. An equivalent area of 2.3257 hectares was also transferred to the Forest Department for compensatory tree plantation on September 22, 2023.
The Authority said compliance with the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006, was also carried out. Public consultation with community members was held on September 27, 2022, followed by several meetings involving the Meghalaya Government and community representatives.
The MRDA further clarified that Environmental Clearance is not required for the project under the Environmental Impact Assessment Notification, 2006. A land lease agreement covering 7,416.95 square metres was signed between the Riat Laban Dorbar Pyllun and the Tourism Department on January 16, 2023. Permission was also obtained from the Forest Department for the cutting of 544 trees, with the Authority stating that all trees were marked and felled following due process. The project has also received No Objection Certificates from the Airports Authority on April 24, 2023, the Air Force Station on July 26, 2023, and the Indian Army on August 7, 2023.
The MRDA said the Government remains committed to balancing development with environmental conservation and will continue engaging with stakeholders in a transparent and responsible manner during the implementation of the project. It added that protecting Meghalaya’s natural heritage while creating sustainable opportunities for its people remains a guiding principle of the state’s tourism development strategy.
