Multi-crore biz-cum-tourism centre likely to be completed by July-end
SHILLONG, May 10: The Rs 216-crore Shillong Business-cum-Tourism Centre at Jail Road is expected to be completed by the end of July. Located on the old Meghalaya Transport Corporation premises, the project is currently in the internal finishing stage. A standout feature of the complex is a prefabricated skywalk connecting two of its buildings. Government sources confirmed on Sunday that both the primary structure and the skywalk have already been completed. The project is designed to serve as a commercial hub and address urban congestion. Its multi-level parking facility is expected to provide significant relief to the nearby Police Bazar area by accommodating hundreds of vehicles. The centre will house a modern shopping complex for retail outlets and local brands, alongside a tourism facilitation centre equipped with information kiosks for visitors. Additional facilities include a curated food court, a convention centre, and halls for trade fairs, exhibitions, and cultural events.
Akashvani Shillong marks 90 years with 5-km run
SHILLONG, May 10: Akashvani Shillong on Saturday organised a 5-km run to commemorate 90 years of public broadcasting service. According to a statement here, the event drew a large number of participants, including students from various schools and colleges, fitness enthusiasts and station staff. The initiative aimed to celebrate Akashvani’s nine-decade legacy while promoting community fitness. The run was flagged off at 6 am by Cluster Head of Akashvani Shillong, H Diengdoh, from the station’s premises on Bomfyle Road. Welcoming the participants, Diengdoh highlighted the broadcaster’s long-standing contribution to the nation before briefing runners on the route and safety rules. The course took participants through key landmarks, including the MPSC building, Barik Point, Civil Hospital and Polo, before passing the State Convention Centre and concluding back at the Akashvani premises. On the occasion, all participants were awarded certificates, whilst winners across four categories received medals. It may be mentioned that similar marathons and walkathons are being held across Akashvani’s nationwide network as part of the 90-year anniversary celebrations.
Govt tweaks SOP on foreign travel by govt staff on private visits
SHILLONG, May 10: The Meghalaya government has modified the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for granting foreign travel permission to government employees on private visits. According to an order from the Personnel & Administrative Reforms (A) Department, the department will now serve as the competent authority for granting travel clearance to specific categories of Gazetted Officers. This includes serving and retired All India Services (AIS) officers, as well as officers of the Meghalaya Civil Service (MCS), Meghalaya Secretariat Service (MSS), and those holding the rank of Joint Secretary or Director. For all other Gazetted Officers, the notification states that the Administrative Secretary of the respective department—including the Principal Secretary, Commissioner & Secretary, or Secretary—will be the authority responsible for granting such permissions.
Newly constructed Umiam Dam bypass likely to open soon
SHILLONG, May 10: The state government expects to soon open the new road bypassing the Umiam Dam for heavy vehicles. Construction of the bypass, designed to facilitate the direct movement of trucks and buses into Shillong, is nearing completion. The opening is expected to provide relief following restrictions placed on heavy vehicles at the renovated Umiam Dam bridge in August 2024. These curbs have disrupted transport operations and hit businesses at the Rs 48-crore Inter-State Bus Terminus (ISBT). Currently, passengers traveling between Guwahati and Shillong are forced to switch buses at Umiam, while transporters report that the diversion through Mawryngkneng adds nearly 90 km to the journey, significantly increasing costs. Commuters also face frequent delays on the existing 17-km double-lane stretch between Umiam and Shillong. To address this, the government is drafting a fresh proposal to expand the road. Officials aim to develop the primary entry route into the city into a scenic, high-standard corridor to support Meghalaya’s growing tourism sector.
Visitor footfall increases notwithstanding season
SHILLONG, May 10: Tourism in Meghalaya has shifted from a seasonal activity to a year-round phenomenon, with the state seeing a significant and sustained increase in visitor footfall. Previously, tourism was largely restricted to peak periods in December-January and June-July, but popular sites such as Laitlum, Dawki, Sohra, and Wahniangleng now attract crowds throughout the year. This steady flow of visitors is supporting local economies across the state. In Laitlum, residents have established homestays and restaurants, while in Wahniangleng, villagers earn a livelihood through parking fees, retail shops, and entry charges. There is also a noticeable cultural shift, as many locals have begun learning Hindi to better communicate with travelers. Parambir Singh Sehdave, president of the Federation of Shillong Hotels, noted a significant change in visitor demographics. “Earlier, tourists mostly from adjoining states used to visit Meghalaya. Now, the pattern has changed and we get tourists from South India, Gujarat, and other states throughout the year, except for the dull period of August and September,” he said. Sehdave attributed this growth to the rising popularity of Shillong as a premier national destination.
Forum reorganises into social, legal wings; launches ASONG
WILLIAMNAGAR, May 10: The Constitutional Rights Forum (CRF) on Saturday announced a restructuring of its public representative bodies to separate grassroots mobilisation from legal advocacy. Following a meeting of its headquarters and regional units in Williamnagar, the organisation formally transitioned its social movement wing into ASONG (A•chik Society for Ownership of Native Grounds). ASONG will operate as a pressure group focusing on indigenous land rights, cultural preservation, and community mobilisation. The new organisation will follow a four-tier structure comprising the Central Executive Council (CEC), Regional Units, Units, and Sub-Units. Meanwhile, the CRF will continue as a registered body dedicated to legal advocacy, government representations, and constitutional litigation. The leadership stated that the dual structure is designed to combine active grassroots social action with legal expertise to better protect the interests of the community.
