Meghalaya's Tourism Minister Defends Shillong Ropeway Project Amid Opposition

In a recent statement, Meghalaya's Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh reaffirmed the government's commitment to the Rs 150-crore Shillong ropeway project, dismissing calls for its withdrawal or relocation. He suggested that the opposition may be politically motivated as the state approaches elections. The project, which aims to enhance tourism and reduce traffic congestion, has faced scrutiny over environmental concerns and licensing issues. Despite these challenges, the government plans to continue consultations with stakeholders and move forward with construction, which began in October 2025. The project is expected to be completed by October 2028.

By Narendra Chaudhary Nov 6, 2026, 09:32 IST

Defending the Shillong Ropeway Initiative

File image of UDP leader and former Meghalaya Tourism Minister, Paul Lyngdoh. (Photo:@meghtourism/X)

Shillong, Nov 6: Paul Lyngdoh, the newly appointed Tourism Minister of Meghalaya, has firmly stated that the proposed Rs 150-crore Shillong ropeway project will not be withdrawn or relocated, despite facing opposition. He emphasized that the State Government is committed to moving forward with the project.

Lyngdoh suggested that the resistance to the project might be politically motivated, especially with the upcoming Assembly elections. He remarked, “I suspect political instigation as we approach the general elections. There are those who wish to portray instability, claiming that the MDA-II has failed to deliver on its promises.”

The minister reassured that the Government is dedicated to advancing the project while maintaining dialogue with stakeholders. Regarding the trade license, he mentioned that the executing company applied for it in May and expects it to be issued soon.

He confirmed that the lock on the company's site was broken on Wednesday, ruling out any possibility of relocating the project. “This is not a simple relocation; it cannot just be moved elsewhere,” he stated.

Addressing environmental concerns, particularly about nearby water bodies, Lyngdoh noted that the Shillong Peak is over 3.15 km away from the proposed sites. He also expressed willingness to take stakeholders to Sikkim to observe ropeway infrastructure and operations.

In response to calls for a public hearing and concerns about the consultation process, he stated that the Government has consistently engaged with the Raid Laban Durbar Pyllun and the seven Durbars, ensuring that public consultations have taken place.

The Shillong Peak Ropeway Project, which is Meghalaya's inaugural passenger ropeway initiative, received approval from the State Cabinet in September 2022. President Droupadi Murmu laid its foundation stone virtually on January 16, 2024, with Chief Minister Conrad Sangma later unveiling it at Shillong Peak on December 4 of the same year.

With an estimated cost of Rs 150 crore, the project aims to connect Madan Laban with the Shillong Viewpoint near Shillong Peak, providing an alternative access route to this popular tourist site, alleviating traffic congestion, and boosting tourism.

The funding for the project includes Rs 80.89 crore from the New Development Bank and Rs 70.11 crore from the Centre’s PM-DevINE scheme. Construction commenced on October 15, 2025, with a completion target set for October 2028.

The project faced scrutiny after the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) locked the construction site on October 27 due to the lack of a required trading license and other local approvals, prompting the district administration to break the lock on Wednesday.