Guwahati: The Assam government has cleared a Rs 213-crore ropeway project connecting the Kamakhya Temple with Guwahati railway station, a move Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said will significantly strengthen religious tourism while easing access for lakhs of devotees.
Announcing the project on social media, the Chief Minister said the ropeway has already been sanctioned and construction work is set to begin shortly. The proposed facility will offer a faster and more convenient link between the hilltop shrine on Nilachal Hill and the city, reducing dependence on congested and narrow approach roads.
Sarma said the ropeway would serve as an alternative and seamless mode of transport for pilgrims visiting the revered Shakti Peeth, helping cut travel time and easing pressure on existing road infrastructure.
The project is also expected to be particularly beneficial for senior citizens and tourists.
Overlooking the Brahmaputra river, the Kamakhya Temple is one of the most prominent pilgrimage sites in eastern India and draws millions of devotees each year from across the country and abroad.
Footfall peaks during the annual Ambubachi Mela, one of the largest religious gatherings in the Northeast, placing enormous strain on transport and civic facilities in the area.
Officials said the ropeway is designed to be a safe and eco-friendly solution to the growing influx of pilgrims, while enhancing the overall visitor experience.
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Beyond its spiritual importance, Kamakhya plays a key role in Assam’s tourism economy, serving as a gateway for visitors to Guwahati, river cruises on the Brahmaputra and major destinations such as Kaziranga National Park.
The project forms part of the state government’s broader strategy to upgrade spiritual tourism infrastructure and position Assam as a leading religious and cultural tourism hub.
Once operational, the ropeway is expected to improve accessibility, decongest traffic around Nilachal Hill and further reinforce Kamakhya’s status as a flagship pilgrimage destination in the Northeast.
