Govt mulls police station, information centre near Umshyrpi four-lane bridge

SHILLONG, May 29: The state government is planning to establish a police station, a fire station and a tourism information centre near the Umshyrpi four-lane bridge, and set aside space for a community office-cum-hall for traditional heads of Upper Shillong area.
A proposal towards this effect was discussed during a joint inspection on Friday by Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong along with the members of the Synjuk Ki Nong Synshar Shnong Upper Shillong. Assistant Inspector General of Police Dr Sacheng R Marak and East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police Vivek Syiem were also present.
After the inspection, Tynsong told reporters that the government had already identified suitable locations for the proposed infrastructure.
He said a vacant plot near the Umshyrpi four-lane bridge had been earmarked for the establishment of a full-fledged police station and fire station to strengthen emergency response and law enforcement in the area.
According to him, senior police officials, who accompanied him during the inspection, supported the proposal and described the site as feasible and strategically located for the two facilities.
Tynsong said a second plot had been identified for the construction of a tourism information centre as well as a community office-cum-hall for the Synjuk Nong Synshar Shnong Upper Shillong. He said the local traditional heads had repeatedly requested the government to allot around 2,000 to 3,000 square feet of land for an office and community hall to facilitate their activities.
The Deputy CM said a departmental meeting would be convened soon to initiate the process and ensure that the projects were taken up at the earliest.
Highlighting the benefits of the newly completed four-lane stretch, he said the project had significantly reduced travel time and eased traffic congestion for commuters entering and leaving Shillong.
He noted that the travel time from Umshyrpi bridge to the end of the four-lane corridor was reduced to about six to seven minutes from 45 minutes to over an hour before the project was completed.
Describing the four-lane as a major boost for the state, he said it had greatly improved connectivity and convenience for travellers.
At the same time, he said some finishing works on the project were pending and would soon be reviewed through a joint inspection involving the Chief Engineer of National Highways, officials of the Mylliem Block, representatives of the Synjuk Nong Synshar Shnong and the executing company.
He said any deficiencies identified during the inspection would be rectified on the spot.
On the tourism infrastructure, Tynsong said the proposed information centre would cater to visitors travelling to various destinations across the state. He added that the government would soon hold discussions with the Tourism Department to finalise plans for the project.
Referring to the proximity of the proposed sites to defence land, he said the state government would engage with military authorities to secure necessary support.
He expressed confidence that the defence authorities would cooperate, as the proposed infrastructure was intended solely for public welfare and the overall development of the state.