By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Aug 7: The much-anticipated Rs 216-crore Shillong Business-cum-Tourism Centre coming up at Jail Road on the old Meghalaya Transport Corporation premises will feature a unique architectural element — a prefabricated skywalk connecting two of its buildings, making it one of the key visual highlights of the structure.
Sources from the Meghalaya Urban Development Authority (MUDA) informed that the fabrication of the skywalk has already been completed. However, its erection will begin only after the Meghalaya Energy Corporation Limited (MeECL) removes the overhead electrical wires passing through the area.
“We expect the erection work to commence by the end of August, and the skywalk should be fully installed by mid-October,” a MUDA official said. The skywalk will not only serve as a connector but also as a visitor attraction.
Nearly 90% of the construction work has been completed, with the façade and interior work currently in progress.
Once completed, the project is expected to be a game-changer for the city’s commercial heart. Some of the major features and facilities of the Shillong Business-cum-Tourism Centre include a modern shopping complex that will house a wide range of retail outlets, promoting local businesses and brands.
Multi-level Parking: A much-needed relief for the congested Police Bazar area, the building will include spacious parking facilities to accommodate hundreds of vehicles. A tourism facilitation centre will host dedicated counters and kiosks to provide information and services for tourists visiting Meghalaya.
The Business-cum-Tourism Centre will house a curated food court featuring local delicacies and popular cuisines to enhance the visitors’ experience.
There will also be a convention centre and halls for hosting trade fairs, exhibitions, conferences, and cultural events.
The structure is being designed with energy-efficient systems, improved ventilation, and provisions for rainwater harvesting and will have modern vertical mobility features like elevators and escalators to ensure convenience and accessibility.
The complex will be equipped with 24X7 CCTV monitoring and fire safety systems.
The government had earlier stated that this centre will redefine the commercial and tourism landscape of Shillong. “Shillongites will witness a new Police Bazar within a year,” officials had said.
The project is being implemented under the Shillong Smart City Mission, positioning it as a model infrastructure development in the region.