Odisha, Odisha — The Assam government has unveiled a ₹213.24 crore ropeway project to connect Kamakhya Railway Station with the revered Kamakhya Temple in Guwahati, aiming to ease traffic congestion and boost sustainable tourism.

Background Kamakhya Temple, a 12th-century Hindu shrine dedicated to the goddess Kamakhya, is one of Assam’s most sacred pilgrimage sites. Pilgrims and tourists have long faced challenges navigating the steep Nilachal Hill road to reach the temple, with traffic bottlenecks exacerbating delays and environmental degradation. The proposed ropeway, flagged as a green mobility initiative, seeks to address these issues while preserving the site’s heritage.

Full verified sequence of events On January 23, 2026, the Centre announced the 1.43-kilometre ropeway project, which will link Kamakhya Railway Station to the temple complex. The system, featuring 18 modern gondolas, is designed to transport 16,500 passengers daily, slashing travel time from 20 minutes to six. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma hailed the plan as a “new momentum for sacred journeys,” crediting Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari for the announcement under the “Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi” (Heritage with Development) framework. The eco-friendly project aims to reduce vehicular pollution and ease road traffic on the hill.

Community Impact Local officials anticipate the ropeway will generate employment and stimulate tourism in Guwahati. By offering a safer, faster route for devotees, the project is expected to enhance pilgrim experience while alleviating pressure on the narrow hill road. Sarma noted the initiative aligns with efforts to modernise infrastructure without compromising cultural sanctity, a key concern for a state balancing development with heritage preservation.

Local significance Kamakhya Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site nominee, draws millions annually, particularly during the Ambubachi Mela. The ropeway’s proximity to the railway station will improve accessibility for thousands, fostering inclusivity for elderly and differently-abled visitors. Environmentalists also welcome the shift to gondolas, which could mitigate vehicular carbon emissions in the ecologically sensitive Nilachal Hill area.

What Happens Next The project is expected to enter the tendering phase in early 2027, with construction likely to commence by mid-2027. Officials emphasise the need for public consultations to address concerns over construction timelines and environmental safeguards. Once operational, the ropeway could position Guwahati as a model for sustainable urban mobility in India’s heritage cities.