Shillong: Varun Beverages Limited, a key bottling partner of PepsiCo, inaugurated the Northeast’s largest bottling plant in Mendipathar, North Garo Hills, Meghalaya, on Wednesday. The Rs. 340-crore facility, spread over 37 acres in the Mendipathar Industrial Area, marks the region’s most significant private sector investment in decades.
Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, who inaugurated the plant, called it a turning point for Meghalaya’s industrial landscape. “This project is a blessing for our state. It will open up direct and indirect job opportunities and stimulate economic activity across Garo Hills,” he said.
The bottling plant is expected to employ nearly 500 people and will produce a range of PepsiCo beverages, including fruit-based juices.
Beyond its core operations, the facility is projected to create ripple effects in the local economy through housing, retail, and ancillary service demands.
The chief minister highlighted the symbolic importance of the project, noting that the Mendipathar Industrial Area was conceptualised over 30 years ago but had remained largely dormant.
“Not a single industrial unit came up all these years despite expectations. Today marks the fulfillment of a long-standing vision, particularly that of the late P.A. Sangma, who saw Mendipathar as a future growth engine,” he said.
Acknowledging the land contribution by the local Nokma and community, Sangma emphasised that the project reflects a new chapter of industrial development in Meghalaya.
“The youth of this region will now begin to see new opportunities emerging. This is more than just a factory—it’s a symbol of aspiration,” he added.
He also announced that a second plant is nearing completion in the Tikrikilla–Bajengdoba area, with over 90% of work finished.
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Present at the inaugural ceremony were Deputy Speaker Timothy D Shira, Power Minister A.T. Mondal, PHE Minister Marcuise Marak, Chairman of Meghalaya Industrial Development Corporation James K Sangma, and several MLAs.
Sangma also thanked Varun Beverages Chairman Ravikant Jaipuria and Director Varun Jaipuria for their commitment to the region.
“Ravikant ji is a dynamic and visionary leader. Though he set a target of nine months, the project was completed in just 11 months—a testament to his time-bound execution model,” Sangma said, noting the company’s footprint across Asia and Africa.
