By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Sep 20: Some of the major Shillong Smart City projects are yet to be opened for the public despite having been completed.
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman inaugurated the Polo shopping complex with much fanfare in July. Two months down the line, the outlets in the mall continue to remain closed.
It is learned that the government is in the process of floating tenders to allot these shops.
The 1.5 lakh sq. ft complex at Polo is designed to offer a blend of shopping and entertainment to the public and become a vibrant commercial hub.
Similarly, there is no word about when the redeveloped Laitumkhrah Municipal Market will be opened for the people and the vendors. The market is almost ready.
The Laitumkhrah market, one of Shillong’s most prominent commercial hubs, has been redeveloped by the Shillong Smart City Limited (SSCL) at a project cost of ₹31.55 crore.
The upgraded market offers improved infrastructure and facilities for vendors, along with a more hygienic, organised, and citizen-friendly environment. This redevelopment promises to enhance the overall shopping experience and contribute to the local economy by supporting small businesses and increasing footfall in the area.
The ambitious Shillong Business-cum-Tourism and Cultural Centre at Police Bazaar, covering an area of 19,959.60 lakh sq. ft, is also nearing completion and is expected to be completed by December.
These projects are expected to play a vital role in driving the state’s economic growth by generating local employment, boosting tourism, and fostering cultural exchange, but the delay in opening them has raised a few questions.
