Shillong: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma has outlined ambitious infrastructure plans for the state, with a strong focus on enhancing connectivity, healthcare, governance, and road infrastructure.
In a recent update, he highlighted several major projects the government aims to prioritise, including improving flight connectivity, establishing medical colleges, constructing a new government secretariat, and implementing significant road developments.
Sangma emphasised his commitment to making Umroi airport operational for commercial flights, noting the importance of this development for tourism, education, and the state’s overall growth.
“I am very focused on ensuring that commercial flights start landing in Umroi as soon as possible,” he said.
“We had a meeting yesterday, and I’m meeting with officials in Delhi tomorrow. In early February, we plan to meet with all the stakeholders.”
He further explained that, although initial assessments suggested the airport couldn’t accommodate larger flights, their efforts to reassess technical feasibility with expert consultations have led to positive results.
“With new technology available, the report now confirms that it’s possible for larger aircraft like the A320 to land. Airlines like Indigo and Spice have already agreed in writing that they will begin operating commercial flights once the runway is extended as per the Airports Authority’s guidelines,” Sangma shared.
Additionally, the government is also working to ensure air connectivity between Shillong and Tura, with the recent inclusion of the route under the UDAN scheme by the Government of India.
The chief minister expressed optimism about launching the Shillong Medical College by September 2025 and addressing manpower challenges for the Tura Medical College.
“We are focused on overcoming the challenges in Tura, where infrastructure development is progressing well, but we are facing difficulties in sourcing qualified personnel,” he explained.
Despite the hurdles, Sangma stressed the importance of activating both the Shillong and Tura medical colleges to improve healthcare education in the state.
On the other hand, a major project in the state’s administrative infrastructure is the construction of a new secretariat at Mawdiangdiang.
The foundation stone for the project will be laid on Meghalaya Day, January 21.
“We plan to complete several blocks within the next two years, enabling us to relocate some offices,” said Sangma.
The chief minister also mentioned that the tendering process for the project would be finalised soon, with construction expected to start shortly.
In addition, the government is advancing the Mini Secretariat project in Tura, a Rs 120 crore initiative that will bring administrative services closer to the people in key regions such as Jowai and Pynursla.
Sangma also highlighted several major road projects, including the Expression Corridor project, which will connect Umiam to Rattacherra and extend into Assam.
Valued at approximately Rs 24,000 crore, this project is set to be one of the largest infrastructure undertakings in Meghalaya and the region.
Another significant development is the plan to construct elevated roads in Shillong to ease traffic congestion.
The elevated roads will connect key junctions, including Umshyrpi to Anjali, Barabazar to the Garrison Ground, and the Civil Hospital junction.
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“These elevated roads will not only improve the city’s aesthetic appeal but also facilitate smoother traffic flow, reducing congestion,” Sangma explained.
He added that discussions with the Union Minister for Road Transport are scheduled to expedite the project.
Sangma concluded by stressing the importance of these infrastructure developments for Meghalaya’s future.
“These projects will transform the state, and we are committed to ensuring they progress smoothly,” he stated.
