GUWAHATI: In a move set to redefine pilgrimage in Northeast India, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, has announced the approval of a ₹213.24 crore ropeway project. This landmark initiative will connect the Kamakhya Railway Station directly to the revered Maa Kamakhya Temple, nestled atop the Nilachal Hills.
The project, part of the Centre’s Parvatmala Pariyojana (National Ropeways Development Programme), aims to blend high-tech connectivity with India’s ancient spiritual heritage.
Key Highlights of the Project
The ropeway is designed to be a game-changer for the millions of devotees who visit the Shakti Peetha annually.
- Distance & Speed: The 1.43-km ropeway will slash travel time from 20 minutes (by road) to just 6 minutes.
- Capacity: Equipped with 18 modern gondolas, the system will be capable of ferrying over 16,500 passengers daily.
- Eco-Friendly Mobility: By providing an aerial alternative, the project will significantly reduce road congestion and vehicular emissions around the sensitive Nilachal Hill precincts.
- Economic Impact: Beyond convenience, the initiative is expected to generate significant local employment and provide a massive boost to Assam’s tourism economy.
“Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi”
Minister Gadkari emphasized that the project embodies the vision of “Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi” (Development with Heritage). By installing world-class infrastructure at one of India’s most sacred sites, the government seeks to modernize the pilgrimage experience without disturbing the spiritual sanctity of the shrine.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed his gratitude to the Union Minister, stating:
“A fine example of Vikas Bhi Virasat Bhi, it will enhance pilgrim convenience, promote eco-friendly mobility, boost tourism, and create local livelihoods.”
With the tender process initiated under the National Highways Logistics Management Ltd (NHLML), the project is a major step toward making Guwahati a model for sustainable urban and religious tourism.
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