Union Minister Nitin Gadkari Unveils Major Ropeway Project for Guwahati's Kamakhya Temple
In a significant infrastructure announcement, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari revealed plans for a Rs 213 crore ropeway project in Guwahati on Friday. This ambitious initiative will create a direct aerial link between the Kamakhya railway station and the revered Kamakhya temple, spanning a distance of 1.43 kilometers.
Transforming Pilgrimage with Modern Infrastructure
Describing the project as a transformative blend of heritage and development, Gadkari emphasized its alignment with the Vikas Bhi Virasat Bhi philosophy. Through his official social media account, he detailed how the ropeway will dramatically reduce travel time between these two key points from approximately 20 minutes to just 6 minutes.
The minister highlighted several key benefits of this modern transportation solution:
- Daily capacity to transport over 16,500 passengers using advanced gondola systems
- Promotion of eco-friendly mobility options in the region
- Significant reduction in road traffic congestion around the temple area
- Creation of local employment opportunities through project development and operations
- Substantial boost to religious tourism and local economic activity
Political Support and Implementation Framework
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed strong support for the initiative, publicly thanking the Union Minister for this development. In his own social media post, Sarma echoed the Vikas Bhi Virasat Bhi theme, noting how the project would enhance pilgrim convenience while promoting sustainable transportation.
The ropeway project falls under the central government's Parvatmala: National Ropeways Development Programme, which represents a strategic shift in India's infrastructure development approach. This national initiative focuses on creating sustainable and efficient transportation solutions for challenging terrains, with particular emphasis on:
- Establishing safe and cost-effective transportation infrastructure
- Providing world-class connectivity solutions
- Ensuring seamless first and last-mile connectivity
- Improving overall logistics efficiency and mobility
Project Background and Future Prospects
The bidding process for this significant infrastructure project was initiated in March of the previous year, marking the beginning of its formal development phase. According to official information, feasibility studies for this ropeway connection were completed between June and July last year, along with assessments for a similar proposed connection between Sonaram field at Bharalu and the temple.
Currently, the road distance between Kamakhya railway station and the temple measures approximately 7 kilometers, making the new 1.43-kilometer aerial route a substantially more efficient alternative for pilgrims and tourists alike. This development represents a major step forward in improving accessibility to one of India's most important religious sites while demonstrating innovative approaches to urban mobility challenges.
