Shillong: Updates on infrastructure for the National Games 2027 took centre stage as Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma announced ongoing work to extend the Pa Togan Nengminja Stadium with additional galleries and new facilities, alongside the construction of two major indoor venues — the Multi-Disciplinary Indoor Stadium near the P.A. Sangma Stadium and the Sunny Hill Indoor Stadium.
These announcements were made during the Official Flag Hoisting Ceremony at the P.A. Sangma Sports Complex in Tura, where the chief minister hoisted the newly installed high-mast national flag in the presence of senior officials, including West Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner Vibhor Aggarwal, and Superintendent of Police Abraham T. Sangma, IPS.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said hoisting the high-mast tricolour at the P.A. Sangma Integrated Sports Complex was a moment of pride, symbolising unity, sovereignty and the values of the nation.
Tura, he noted, is the second location in Meghalaya to install such a flag, with plans to set up similar high-mast flags in Jowai and every district headquarters.
He also outlined the government’s initiatives to beautify Tura town.
The second phase of the Tura Beautification Project, worth Rs. 16 crore, will soon begin, focusing on the Tura Bazar area with upgraded street lighting, renovated pavements and a new façade for the Tura Super Market.
The third phase will take up the beautification of the stretch from Araimile Junction to the end of P.A. Sangma Road.
The ongoing “Paint My City” campaign will continue, with buildings and public structures set to get a fresh coat of paint.
Highlighting rapid development in the Dakopgre area, the chief minister said works for the additional Secretariat are progressing swiftly. Construction of a new Convention Centre is also underway near the recently inaugurated MPSC office building.
He further announced that a five-star hotel by the Hilton Group will come up at the former Orchid Hotel site, with completion targeted within 24 months.
Calling for public cooperation, the chief minister urged residents to support the government’s projects and maintain cleanliness in the town, stressing that no development would be meaningful without active citizen participation.
The programme opened with a welcome address by Tura Municipal Board chairman J.D. Sangma and featured performances by local artists.
The chief minister also flagged off a road sweeping machine at the end of the event.
