In a significant move aimed at bolstering infrastructure and streamlining administrative services, the Meghalaya government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, is set to allocate more than Rs 2,500 crore for the development of a new administrative city in the burgeoning Shillong township.
Chief Minister Sangma disclosed the grand scale of the project during a recent meeting, highlighting its comprehensive nature. "It is a project that is going to be worth more than Rs 2,500 crore if you were to include everything from road connectivity, water supply, and infrastructure," he stated, underlining the multi-faceted approach of the initiative.
Situated approximately 12 kilometers from the city center, the planned administrative city will be strategically located in Mawdiangdiang. Sangma revealed that he recently reviewed the designs for the administrative city and intends to seek approval from the state cabinet in the near future.
Anticipating swift progress, the Chief Minister expressed optimism that detailed project reports (DPRs) would be finalized by the end of the second quarter of the 2024-2025 fiscal year. This timeline sets the stage for the commencement of construction works through tendering processes.
In a bid to expedite connectivity to the new administrative hub, the government has earmarked Rs 100 crore for the construction of three access roads. Work on these vital arteries is expected to kick off in the coming months, facilitating seamless accessibility to the administrative city.
Chief Minister Sangma underscored the overarching objective of the initiative, emphasizing the consolidation of services for public convenience. "We have a larger and a bigger plan for the city, and we are really working on a long-term, medium-term, and short-term kind of plan to see how we can improve the overall living condition in the city," he affirmed, outlining the government's commitment to holistic urban development.
Furthermore, Sangma expressed his aspirations to relocate part of the secretariat or several directorates to the new administrative city within the current term. This move is poised to not only centralize administrative functions but also catalyze urban rejuvenation efforts in Shillong.
The proposed administrative city stands as a testament to the Meghalaya government's proactive stance towards urban planning and infrastructure enhancement. With a focus on comprehensive development, the initiative is poised to elevate the quality of life for residents while positioning Shillong as a model city in the region.
