Country's first cable car launched

Visitors enjoy a ride over the Meghna Lake on the country's first cable car at Meghla Parjatan Complex in Bandarban. Photo: ANURUP KANTI DAS

The beautiful lake Meghla, around four kilometres away from Bandarban town, has become the first venue to install cable car system in the country.
Promising a major new attraction for tourists, the cable car started its maiden journey on November 7 in Meghla Park Lake.
Moreover, the whole project was handled domestically and at a considerably low cost of Tk 10 lakh.
With its hanging bridges and scenic hilly beauty, the Meghla lake region has the potential to become a major tourism zone. Its complex has a mini safari park, a children's park, a small zoo, tea garden and the large lake.
Terming the cable car launching a milestone in the tourism industry of Bangladesh, Bandarban Deputy Commissioner Mizanur Rahman said, "With scenic greenery and beautiful hills, Meghla Parjatan Complex is a resource for tourism industry."
He said domestic technologies have been used to launch the country's first cable car at Meghla Parjatan Complex at a cost of Tk 10 lakh.
Mizanur said the natural beauty of the area, diverse cultural heritage and amazing biodiversity can be assets for the tourism sector of the country. There are at least 13 spots in the region where cable cars could open new doors in communication and tourism.
Earlier, Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism decided to launch cable cars from Nilachal to Chimbuk, Chimbuk to Jibannagar, Jibannagor to Thanchhi. But the decision was not implemented due to high project costs and inexperience.
Mizanur, however, said launch of the cable car system at Meghla is a pioneering event as invaluable experience has been gained and the use of domestic technologies has brought down the cost considerably.
Meghla is only one of the many picturesque spots of Bandarban. Other potential tourist attractions here include Chimbuk Hill, Shoilopropat, Tazindong, Keokeradong, Nilachal, Sangu River, and the Prantik and Boga Lakes.