Context

The Assam government inaugurated a 1.8-km-long ropeway over the Brahmaputra, connecting Guwahati to North Guwahati. It is the longest ropeway on a river in India.

About

• Built at a cost of Rs 56 crore, it comprises of two cabins, each with a capacity of 30 passengers and one operator.
• It takes eight minutes to traverse the entire length of the ropeway.
• The ropeway uses a “twin-track, single-haul, bi-cable double reversible jig back” system.
• The ropeway comprises two cabins — each with a capacity of 30 passengers plus one operator.
• The ropeway will be operated from Kachari Ghat in Guwahati and the Dol GovindaTemple in North Guwahati.
• It will pass the Umananda Temple on a small island in the middle of the Brahmaputra.
• This is said to be of one of the most advanced & longest river crossing Aerial Tramway systems in India.

What is the need of a ropeway?

• Thousands of people commute every day between the capital city of Guwahati and the town of North Guwahati, where IIT Guwahati is located.
• The ropeway cuts travel time between the two banks to 8 minutes.
• The current travel options between the two banks are by ferry (30 minutes or more, depending on current and season) or by road through a bridge that usually takes over an hour in the traffic.
  

Significance of the initiative

• It will help in not only promoting tourism but also make commuting easier.
• This is said to be of one of the most advanced & longest river crossing Aerial Tramway systems in India.