Guwahati Ropeway

Guwahati Ropeway is an aerial tramway system crossing the Brahmaputra River in Guwahati, Assam, India. Inaugurated on 24 August 2020, it connects the city centre at Kachari Ghat in Panbazar with Rajadwar near the Doul Govinda Temple in North Guwahati.

At the time of its inauguration, it was described as the longest ropeway over a river in India.

The ropeway significantly reduces travel time between the two banks of the Brahmaputra and is also a tourist attraction, offering views of the river and nearby landmarks, such as Umananda Temple.

History

The idea of constructing a ropeway across the Brahmaputra in Guwahati was proposed as early as 2003 as a way to improve connectivity between the north and south banks of the river.

Construction of the project was undertaken by the Government of Assam through the Guwahati Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA). After facing delays and planning challenges, the project became operational in August 2020.

The ropeway was inaugurated by Assam minister Himanta Biswa Sarma in the presence of other state officials.

Operations

Route

The ropeway connects Kachari Ghat Terminal, located near Nehru Park in Panbazar in central Guwahati, to Rajadwar Terminal, located behind the Dol Govinda Temple in North Guwahati. The terminals are located on opposite banks of the Brahmaputra River.

Technical characteristics

The Guwahati Ropeway is a twin-track, single-haul, bi-cable reversible aerial tramway system. It spans around 1.82km in length, with two cabins operating in a jig-back system. The cabins can accommodate 30 passengers each, and one operator per cabin. The ropeway can handle about 250 passengers per hour, with an approximate travel time of 8 minutes between the two terminals.

Operations

The ropeway provides a faster alternative to ferry transport between the two banks of the Brahmaputra. Crossing the river would take up to an hour before construction of the ropeway, depending on ferry schedules and river conditions.

Ticket prices at the time of inauguration were set at ₹60 for a one-way ride and ₹100 for a round trip.

See also

• Brahmaputra River
• Umananda Temple
• North Guwahati