By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Feb 17: The Opposition on Tuesday pressed the state government for detailed updates on various projects under way in the New Shillong Township, estimated at a massive cost of Rs 15,000 crore.
Initiating a short-duration discussion, Mawryngkneng MLA Heavingstone Kharpran demanded progress reports on 11 key projects, including the New Meghalaya Secretariat (costing over Rs 1,100 crore), the internal trunk road network (over Rs 2,000 crore), Unity Mall, Knowledge City, Central Jail, and others.
He made it clear that the New Shillong Township and its associated projects must be implemented in a transparent, accountable, and sustainable manner.
TMC’s Nongthymmai MLA Charles Pyngrope, meanwhile, urged the government to construct a vital road from Sawlad via Nongrah to Ishyrwat. He stressed the need for land acquisition to enable this connectivity link between Shillong city and the NST.
In his detailed response, Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma highlighted the transformative potential of the initiative. He explained that Phase 1, the Administrative City, already hosts key institutions such as the Meghalaya Secretariat, IIM Shillong, NIFT, NEIAH, and NEIGRIHMS—establishing a robust knowledge and healthcare hub.
The Rs 1,231-crore Meghalaya Secretariat project is 35% complete, while the Legislative Assembly building is nearing completion, Sangma informed the House.
The area is also developing into a commercial hub, with the Unity Mall at 40% completion and planned commercial streets in the pipeline.
Sangma noted that 64.9 acres have been allocated for higher education and skilling institutions, and the existing IT Park has already generated 1,500 jobs. Residential development covers 51.68 acres, including 10.9 acres dedicated to affordable housing with 435 units.
Looking ahead, he said that Phase 2—the Knowledge City at Mawkhanu—will include a major IT Park, a Skills & Innovation Hub, a monolith tower, and a 40,000-seater Mawkhanu football stadium.
“These developments will create vibrant new economies and generate substantial employment opportunities,” Sangma said.
The project places strong emphasis on environmental sustainability, with 85.9 acres earmarked for parks and open spaces, alongside community-focused planning.
The Chief Minister added that the Town and Country Planning Scheme actively involves traditional institutions and local communities.
“The development of New Shillong is environmentally responsible, socially inclusive, economically transformative, and fully respectful of local communities,” he affirmed, reiterating his government’s commitment to ensuring tangible benefits for Mawryngkneng and surrounding areas.
