SHILLONG, Dec 31: Unlike the flurry of infrastructure inaugurations in 2023 ahead of the Assembly elections, 2024 saw only a few major projects coming to fruition, leaving much to be desired in terms of new developments.
Among the key projects completed this year was the Shillong Integrated Command and Control Centre, aimed at bringing the city under surveillance. Additionally, the Meghalaya Biological Park cum Zoo in Ri-Bhoi became operational, and the Shillong Engineering College was inaugurated.
The long-awaited upgrade of the JN Stadium was also completed, successfully hosting the prestigious Durand Cup and a concert by international star Bryan Adams.
However, beyond these achievements, there was little progress in Meghalaya’s infrastructure landscape. The Shillong and Tura Medical College and Hospital projects remain confined to paperwork, while the under-construction Meghalaya Legislative Assembly building in New Shillong Township is still far from completion.
Several ambitious initiatives, such as the Shillong Ropeway Project, the Wahumkhrah Beautification Project, the beautification of Ward’s Lake, the construction of a skywalk, and flyovers, are yet to take off. Similarly, many Smart City projects, including the Smart Road, Laitumkhrah Market Complex, Polo Shopping Mall, and the Business Centre in Police Bazar, are still awaiting completion.
In the road sector however, some progress has been made. Work has commenced on critical projects like the Shillong-Dawki Road and the Western Bypass. However, a significant concern remains — the lack of a dedicated road for heavy vehicles to directly link Shillong with the rest of the country.
Currently, heavy vehicles are prohibited from using the Umiam dam route and must take a lengthy detour to enter Shillong.
Efforts to develop an alternative route have yet to materialise, making connectivity more challenging in the region.
