Meghalaya’s Smart City Projects Achieve 78 per cent Progress by July

15 Sep 2025 CW Team

VPP legislator Ardent Basaiawmoit raised concerns that the government is focusing primarily on constructing commercial complexes, which he argued is contrary to the mission’s objective of improving living conditions, including education and other sectors.

Dhar acknowledged that this may have been the case in the first phase but assured members that other important projects would be prioritised in the second phase. He also highlighted the installation of open-air gyms at various locations in Shillong, including Governor House, Mawprem, and Laitumkhrah, at a project cost of Rs 50 million.

Regarding the Polo commercial complex, Dhar stated that it was recently inaugurated by the Union Finance Minister and is now being operationalised with 109 shops.

Leader of the Opposition Mukul Sangma asked whether any quality audit had been conducted at the Polo complex. The minister confirmed that an audit had been carried out by the department. Sangma also raised concerns about the alleged large salary withdrawals by the Smart City project CEO, to which Dhar replied that he would need formal notice as the information was not immediately available.

Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma explained that the government had initially invited tenders for the entire building but did not receive any bids. The administration is now exploring whether to allot stalls floor-wise or shop-wise. “So very soon we will be finalising that,” he added.

Addressing concerns about outsourcing the management of the complex instead of directly engaging unemployed youth, the Chief Minister stated that the government must follow due procedure and ensure maximum revenue. However, he assured that multiple projects are in place to tackle employment challenges.

The Meghalaya government has made significant progress in implementing projects under the Smart City Mission, achieving an overall physical completion of 77.81 per cent as of July this year. Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar informed the Assembly of this update.VPP legislator Ardent Basaiawmoit raised concerns that the government is focusing primarily on constructing commercial complexes, which he argued is contrary to the mission’s objective of improving living conditions, including education and other sectors.Dhar acknowledged that this may have been the case in the first phase but assured members that other important projects would be prioritised in the second phase. He also highlighted the installation of open-air gyms at various locations in Shillong, including Governor House, Mawprem, and Laitumkhrah, at a project cost of Rs 50 million.Regarding the Polo commercial complex, Dhar stated that it was recently inaugurated by the Union Finance Minister and is now being operationalised with 109 shops.Leader of the Opposition Mukul Sangma asked whether any quality audit had been conducted at the Polo complex. The minister confirmed that an audit had been carried out by the department. Sangma also raised concerns about the alleged large salary withdrawals by the Smart City project CEO, to which Dhar replied that he would need formal notice as the information was not immediately available.Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma explained that the government had initially invited tenders for the entire building but did not receive any bids. The administration is now exploring whether to allot stalls floor-wise or shop-wise. “So very soon we will be finalising that,” he added.Addressing concerns about outsourcing the management of the complex instead of directly engaging unemployed youth, the Chief Minister stated that the government must follow due procedure and ensure maximum revenue. However, he assured that multiple projects are in place to tackle employment challenges.

Real Estate

08 May 2026

Integrated Waterproofing Strategies

Waterproofing buildings used to be an annual pre-monsoon affair but the evolution of real-estate development has changed that approach. In new developments, developers are weaving waterproofing solutions into both the design and construction phases, an approach that Nikhil Madan, Managing Director, Mahima Group, says, “is all about ensuring lasting durability [of the building] and keeping lifecycle risks including water seepage and extensive maintenance to a minimum.”Watertight by designAluminium formwork systems aren’t commonly thought of as a waterproofing tool but at the Mahima Group,..

Infrastructure Urban

08 May 2026

GROHE Showcases Water-Led Design At Milan

GROHE unveiled its GROHE SPA Aqua Sanctuary at Milan Design Week 2026, transforming Piccolo Teatro Studio Melato into an immersive showcase of water, design and wellbeing. Built on the philosophy of ‘Wellbeing Through Water’, the installation reimagined bathrooms as holistic spaces for relaxation, rejuvenation and self-care.The Aqua Sanctuary was presented through three interconnected sanctums. The first showcased the 3D-printed GROHE SPA AquaTree shower and faucet, highlighting bespoke innovation and biophilic design. The second featured the Atrio Private Collection and GROHE SPA x Buster..

Infrastructure Transport

08 May 2026

Rahee Group Expands Rail Manufacturing Capacity

Rahee Group has outlined a multi-year investment roadmap to expand its operational footprint and strengthen manufacturing capabilities for India’s growing railway and urban transit sector. The Group is expanding in Odisha with a new Track Component Casting Unit, for which the groundbreaking ceremony was held on 8 April 2026 in the presence of Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi.The Group’s flagship EPC arm, Rahee Infratech Ltd, continues to focus on complex rail infrastructure projects, including track systems, bridges, viaducts and ballastless infrastructure. Its wholly owned subsidi..