Guwahati Ropeway
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| Guwahati Ropeway | |
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 Interactive map of Guwahati Ropeway | |
| Overview | |
| Brahmaputra Ropeway | |
| Status | Operational |
| Character | Urban transport and tourism |
| Location | Guwahati, Assam |
| Country | India |
| Coordinates | 26°11′15″N 91°45′03″E / 26.1876°N 91.7508°E |
| Termini | Kachari Ghat, Panbazar Rajadwar near Doul Govinda Temple, North Guwahati |
| No. of stations | 2 |
| Services | Guwahati, North Guwahati |
| Built by | Samir Damodar Ropeways Pvt. Ltd. |
| Construction cost | ₹56 crore (US$6.6 million) |
| Construction begin | 2009 |
| Open | August 24, 2020 |
| Operation | |
| Owner | Government of Assam |
| Operator | Guwahati Metropolitan Development Authority |
| No. of carriers | 2 cabins |
| Carrier capacity | 30 passengers + 1 operator |
| Ridership | 250 passengers per hour |
| Trip duration | 7–8 minutes |
| Fare | ₹60 (71¢ US) (one way) |
| Technical features | |
| Aerial lift type | Bi-cable jig-back aerial tramway |
| Line length | 1.82 kilometres (1.13 mi) |
| No. of support towers | 5 |
| No. of cables | 2 |
| Operating speed | 6 m/s |
| Notes | Longest ropeway over a river in India at the time of inauguration |
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.[1][2]
At the time of its inauguration, it was described as the longest ropeway over a river in India.[1][3]
The ropeway significantly reduces travel time between the two banks of the Brahmaputra and serves both as an urban transport facility and a tourist attraction offering views of the river and nearby landmarks such as Umananda Temple.[2]
The idea of constructing a ropeway across the Brahmaputra in Guwahati was discussed as early as 2003 as a way to improve connectivity between the north and south banks of the river.[1]
Construction of the project was undertaken by the Government of Assam through the Guwahati Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA). The project faced delays and planning challenges before finally becoming operational in August 2020.[4]
The ropeway was inaugurated by Assam minister Himanta Biswa Sarma in the presence of other state officials.[4]
Route and terminals
The ropeway connects two terminals located on opposite banks of the Brahmaputra River.
- Kachari Ghat Terminal, located near Nehru Park in Panbazar in central Guwahati.[5]
- Rajadwar Terminal, located behind the Dol Govinda Temple in North Guwahati.[5]
The alignment passes above the Brahmaputra River and provides views of Umananda Island and other riverine features.[2]
Technical characteristics
The Guwahati Ropeway is a twin-track, single-haul, bi-cable reversible aerial tramway system.[2]
Key technical features include:
- Length: about 1.82 kilometres across the Brahmaputra.[6]
- Two cabins operating in a jig-back system.[2]
- Capacity of around 30 passengers plus one operator per cabin.[1]
- Approximate system capacity of about 250 passengers per hour.[6]
- Travel time of around eight minutes between the two terminals.[1]
The ropeway operates using electric power and incorporates modern safety and rescue systems conforming to international standards.[2]
Operations
The ropeway provides a faster alternative to ferry transport between the two banks of the Brahmaputra. Prior to its construction, river crossing could take close to an hour depending on ferry schedules and river conditions.[6]
Ticket prices at the time of inauguration were set at ₹60 for a one-way ride and ₹100 for a round trip.[6]