‘New Upper Shillong’ is still under construction
Upper Shillong is changing, undoubtedly. But the transformation comes with a familiar Shillong twist— progress that arrives in patches, courtesy of a decidedly laid-back execution of Phase-I of the Shillong–Dawki four-lane project.
At 7th Mile, streetlights now line the divider and long stretches are neatly paved. Then, without warning, the road abruptly reminds you where you are—at crossroads riddled with potholes capable of shaking both suspension and faith. Diversions appear unannounced, leaving drivers to improvise. You either stay in the “correct” lane or boldly swerve into the opposite one and hope for the best.
From the Elephant Falls junction, the road suddenly turns smooth and spotless—just enough to tempt you into cruising. That illusion doesn’t last long. An oncoming bus, high beams blazing, snaps you back to reality, especially if you assumed the lanes were properly segregated.
Traffic patterns have quietly rewritten themselves. Vehicles now bypass 3rd Mile altogether, heading straight to 5th Mile—missing two petrol pumps along the way. If you’re counting on refuelling at 3rd Mile, think again. Detour or not, fuel anxiety is real.
At times, the landscape barely feels like Shillong anymore. Something new is clearly taking shape in Upper Shillong. The only unanswered question—asked daily, loudly, and with growing impatience—is when it will finally be finished.
R-Day fervour takes over city
The city hums with quiet anticipation on the eve of the 77th Republic Day. Polo Grounds is set to echo with sharp march past commands, drum rolls and tableaux. Dignitaries will hoist the Tricolour, speeches will ring out about unity and pride, but here on the eve, it’s the small preparations that feel most alive. Shopkeepers string fairy lights as they sell tricoloured balloons, clothes and other necessities of Republic Day. Vendors make good business selling small paper flags. Everyone knows the routine, yet it never loses its quiet thrill.
The Lok Bhavan (formerly Raj Bhavan)—usually a place of closed doors and formal sessions—flings itself wide to the people. From 3 pm to 8 pm on the 26th, and then 1 pm to 8 pm on the 27th, anyone can walk in. No passes, no protocol. It’s a rare gesture: families strolling the corridors where laws are signed, kids pointing at portraits, elders nodding at the architecture that blends colonial lines with local warmth.
And blooming right there in the Lok Bhavan Garden is the Shillong Flower Show 2026. It opens at 8:15 am with the Governor inaugurating, but the real magic starts in the afternoon when crowds arrive. The show aims to spark interest in gardening, to celebrate the hills’ floricultural wealth.
A free movie will be screened at Anjalee Cinema Hall, an age-old tradition as residents take time out of their schedule to take pride in India’s rich legacy.
For others, it will be a day of celebration, a picnic with friends, families, and colleagues. Republic Day in Shillong isn’t about grand processions; it’s about shared moments.
