By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Jan 31: Meghalaya has brought 94.91% of its population under mobile and broadband coverage, marking a decisive shift in last-mile digital access, official figures under the Vision 2032 roadmap show. The state has set out to extend mobile connectivity to every village, complete pending last-mile infrastructure, and finish the new State Data Centre by 2032.
Government data point to rapid expansion on the ground. Villages with mobile connectivity have increased from 4,082 in FY18 to 6,938 by FY25, narrowing long-standing gaps in rural and semi-urban areas. Officials say the improved network footprint is also beginning to influence employment patterns linked to digital infrastructure.
A key component of this phase is the upcoming Tura IT Park, described by the government as a major investment for western Meghalaya. Backed by the PM-DeVINE scheme, the project carries an estimated cost of Rs 127 crore, spans nearly 100,000 square feet, and is expected to accommodate more than 1,000 professionals once operational.
The state projects the Tura facility as a means to create skilled jobs locally and curb outward migration from the Garo Hills by opening opportunities in IT services, startups, and allied digital sectors.
The project builds on the experience of the Shillong Tech Park, operational since 2022, which has generated about 1,500 direct and 5,000 indirect jobs, while drawing national and international firms. On the back of this response, the government is moving ahead with Shillong IT Park Phase II, alongside the Tura project.
Taken together, the two IT parks are projected to generate around 14,000 jobs, linking expanded connectivity with employment creation. Officials say the focus is on aligning digital access, skilled manpower, and workspaces as Meghalaya moves from connectivity rollout to economic utilisation.
