Shillong: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma has unveiled an ambitious plan to upgrade the state’s tourism infrastructure with a range of premium projects aimed at positioning the state as a leading cultural and experiential destination while boosting jobs and the local economy.
Among the flagship proposals are the iconic Monolith Towers to be constructed at New Shillong in the Mawkhanu area. The Chief Minister said the structures will rise to 123 metres, making them the second tallest in India after the Statue of Unity.
According to Sangma, the towers will serve as a state-of-the-art tourist attraction, equipped with elevators, restaurants and a circular glass skywalk at the summit, offering sweeping views of the surrounding hills and landscape.
Drawing parallels with global architectural landmarks such as the Burj Khalifa, he said the project will incorporate advanced lighting systems, including laser shows that narrate Meghalaya’s history, culture and traditions each evening. He added that cutting-edge technology would be used to create immersive cultural storytelling experiences for visitors.
The Monolith Tower Complex, conceptualised by INI Design Studio, will cover around 213.8 acres and is envisioned as an integrated tourism, cultural and ecological hub. Inspired by the traditional Khasi and Jaintia monoliths (Mawbynna), the project seeks to reflect the region’s ancestral heritage.
Officials said the complex will house five experiential galleries themed around rain, caves, living root bridges, tribal life, and the state’s rich flora and fauna. Plans also include a 72-metre sky bridge linking the towers, elevated dining areas and comprehensive visitor amenities.
Sangma explained that the Monolith Towers form part of a broader strategy to ease congestion in Shillong by developing new tourism zones across Meghalaya.
Other major initiatives in the pipeline include a Rs 51-crore skywalk and tourist hub at Mawkdok, described as India’s longest cantilever structure; a Rs 30-crore Tribal Heritage Experience Centre at Mandalgre; an eco-resort at Sakaladuma; and a Rain and Bamboo Museum at Mawsynram.
Under the PM-DevINE initiative, the state has secured Rs 233 crore for tourism development in Sohra. The project will feature an experiential centre with an amphitheatre and related infrastructure to enhance visitor engagement.
Highlighting tourism’s economic multiplier effect, the Chief Minister said the government is pursuing a balanced approach that combines large-scale infrastructure with community-driven ventures. He noted that close to 1,000 new homestays have already been set up across Meghalaya, with a target to add 3,000 more in the coming years.
He also underscored government efforts to promote grassroots music, stating that local artistes are being given regular performance platforms and financial support through state-backed events, with some bands now performing at venues such as Hard Rock Cafe outlets across India.
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Reaffirming the government’s long-term vision, Sangma said the objective is to create a sustainable tourism ecosystem that safeguards cultural heritage while generating widespread employment and economic growth throughout Meghalaya.
