Meghalaya Government Threatens Legal Action Over Shillong Peak Ropeway Project Sealing

The Meghalaya Government has issued a warning of legal action against the KHADC for sealing the Shillong Peak Ropeway project site. The government demands the immediate removal of seals and the return of confiscated items. The KHADC's actions were based on claims that the executing agency lacked a trading license. However, the government argues that preparatory work does not require such a license. An FIR has also been filed against KHADC officials. This situation raises questions about the future of this significant public infrastructure project.

By Narendra Chaudhary Oct 30, 2026, 16:25 IST

Legal Threats Over Ropeway Project

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Shillong, Oct 30: The government of Meghalaya has issued a warning of potential legal action against the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) following the sealing of the Shillong Peak Ropeway project site. Authorities are demanding the immediate removal of locks and seals placed on the site office and the Lower Terminal Point located at Madan Laban.

In a communication directed to the Secretary of the KHADC Executive Committee, CS Khongwir, the Joint Secretary of the Tourism Department, insisted on the removal of the seals and the return of all items taken into custody.

On October 27, KHADC officials reportedly entered the project site, evicted personnel from the executing agency, M/s KEC-TCL, and locked the site office. This action was taken on the premise that the agency had not secured a trading license.

However, Khongwir argued that according to Section 30(2) of the Meghalaya Ropeway Act, 2022, the project promoter is permitted to conduct preparatory activities prior to the commencement of construction. She emphasized that such preparatory work does not equate to trade and thus does not necessitate a trading license at this stage.

She further noted that the executing agency had submitted a trading license application on May 18, which remains pending with the KHADC.

Characterizing the ropeway as a vital public infrastructure initiative by the State Government, Khongwir highlighted that the land where preparatory work is being conducted is state-owned.

The Tourism Department has also requested the withdrawal of custody undertakings obtained from site managers and demanded written assurance that no further actions would be taken against the State Government, the project authority, or the executing agency under the applicable regulations.

In her letter, Khongwir cautioned that if these demands are not promptly addressed, the government would have no choice but to pursue legal measures through appropriate authorities to clear the obstruction and secure the project site.

“You will be held accountable for any repercussions, including costs and delays to the project,” she stated.

Additionally, the State Government has filed a First Information Report (FIR) against KHADC officials at the Laban Police Station regarding this incident.