SHILLONG, Dec 5: Meghalaya chief minister Conrad K Sangma today unveiled the foundation stone for the Shillong Ropeway Project, which was laid by President of India Droupadi Murmu on January 16 this year.
The plaque marking the ceremonial laying of foundation stone was unveiled at the project site – Shillong peak viewpoint.
During the function, the chief minister and Minister of Tourism handed over the letter of acceptance to the construction firm – KEC International Limited – Tantia Construction Limited JV, to officially begin the construction of the prestigious project, which is estimated to Rs 175 crore.
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This is Meghalaya’s first passenger ropeway project, which will be implemented in partnership with French based company POMA, whose role will be to primarily supply equipment for the project.
The state government has been creating numerous infrastructure projects to promote tourism, the ropeway project is one such intervention.
The chief minister also handed over the second instalment of Rs 1.5 crore to Glanding Lyngdoh, general secretary of Riat Laban Dorban Pyllum, which is part of the token amount of Rs 3 crore for land compensation.
Speaking on the occasion, the chief minister lauded the stakeholders for completing necessary paperwork and official formalities for commencement of the project.
“There were numerous challenges from land acquisition, permission and also the creation of the Meghalaya Ropeway Development Authority for ensuring safety standards and licensing. The commencement of the project is the fruition of four long years of preparation,” he said.
He also expressed gratitude to Raid Laban Dorbar Shnong Pyllun for extending cooperation. The project will pass through Laban, Madan Laban, Upper Lumparing, Lower Lumparing, Lumkjatsngi, Oxford Hills and Rngi Shillong.
Talking about community partnership for the project, the chief minister said, “It is of great importance that the community partners with the government. The project is an outcome of partnership between all stakeholders. This project will ensure revenue collection, which will benefit the Dorbar and other stakeholders of the project”.
The chief minister also lauded Armed forces particularly Air Force for extending all their cooperation and support for initiation of the project.
He further informed that the government is working on alternate routes that would connect to the tourist spots and decongest the landing site of the Ropeway at Madan Laban.
He also informed that the government would construct an alternate route which is approximately 4 km that connects to the main road at 101 Area, Upper Shillong.
“The ropeway is a potential mode of urban transport and could be a solution to decongest the city,” he added.
