Assam Government Initiates Five Ropeway Projects to Enhance Connectivity
Ropeway Projects Announced
Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma (Photo: @himantabiswa/X)
Guwahati, Nov 3: The Assam administration is set to launch five ropeway projects in collaboration with the central government, with significant advancements noted on the Kamakhya Railway Station to Kamakhya Temple route, as announced by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday.
During a press conference following the Cabinet meeting, Sarma revealed that an agreement has been established with the Centre for the development of these ropeways, which will involve the creation of a joint venture company to oversee the projects.
"We have signed an agreement with the Government of India for the development of ropeways. A new company will be formed where the Government of India will hold a 51% stake, while the Assam government will possess 49%. This partnership will facilitate the development of five ropeway projects," Sarma stated.
The initiative aims to enhance access to key religious and tourist sites throughout Assam.
The five planned ropeway routes include:
1. Kamakhya Railway Station to Kamakhya Temple: A 1.43-km project located in the Kamrup Metropolitan district.
2. Khanapara to Guwahati Railway Station: An 11-km project also in the Kamrup Metropolitan district.
3. Ganganagar Part-VII to Bhuban Pahar Mahadev Temple: A proposed project in the Barak Valley.
4. Jatinga Bird Watching Tower to Hempupet Peak: A 3.50-km project in Dima Hasao district.
5. Agnigarh Hill to Bhairabi Temple: A 1.80-km project in Sonitpur district.
Sarma noted that the Kamakhya Railway Station to Kamakhya Temple project is progressing well, while the other projects are currently in the pre-Detailed Project Report (DPR) phase.
Establishment of Sectoral Councils Under Viksit Assam Vision
The Cabinet has also sanctioned the formation of 13 state-level sectoral councils aimed at ensuring the effective and inclusive execution of government welfare initiatives, programs, and development projects.
These councils will concentrate on various sectors, including rural livelihoods, health and wellness, education, social security, public housing, drinking water supply, power, employment, cultural affairs, sports, food security, and financial assistance.
The councils will consist of:
- Assam Rural Livelihood Council
- Assam Health and Wellness Council
- Assam Educational Entitlement Council
- Assam Social Security Council
- Assam Public Housing Council
- Assam Drinking Water Supply Council
- Assam Power Supply Council
- Assam Employment Council
- Assam Cultural Affairs and Happiness Council
- Assam Sports Council
- Assam Health and Education in Tea Garden Areas Council
- Assam Food Security and Procurement Council
- Assam Financial Assistance and DBT Council
Each council will comprise nine members, with their leaders enjoying a status equivalent to that of a state minister.
Sarma emphasized that these councils will conduct impact assessments to evaluate the effectiveness of government programs and offer recommendations for better implementation.
"The councils will analyze the effects of government schemes on the populace and provide insights for their successful execution," the Chief Minister remarked.
Approval of Guwahati Satellite City Development Rules
The Cabinet has also approved the Guwahati Satellite City Development Authority (Declaration, Delineation and Planning of Satellite City Development Areas) Rules, 2026.
These regulations are anticipated to establish a framework for the declaration, delineation, and planning of satellite city development zones surrounding Guwahati.