SHILLONG, June 22: In a symbolic pivot from surveillance to sourdough, the Meghalaya government is repurposing the site of the former Umling facilitation centre into a commercial food court, transforming a location once defined by COVID-19 protocols and entry-exit scrutiny into a high-end rest stop for commuters on the Shillong-Guwahati highway.
The original structure, which served as a primary checkpoint for several years, was recently demolished to make way for the project. According to government sources, the new facility aims to improve the travel experience on the state’s busiest transit route by hosting global food chains, including Starbucks, KFC, Burger King, and Subway.
In addition to dining options, the facility will house a Tourist Information Centre to promote regional destinations. The plans also include a dedicated counter for the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act (MRSSA) to provide assistance and information to visitors, indicating that the site will retain a degree of administrative oversight.
Construction has reportedly begun, with the state government pushing for an ambitious completion date of August 15. However, sources suggest a launch closer to Durga Puja may be more realistic given the current progress.
