Shillong, Feb 17: New Shillong City is going to be the growth engine of Meghalaya and the biggest job generator in the state, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma told the Assembly on Tuesday.
“New Shillong is being built as Meghalaya’s engine of growth — powered by four pillars: tourism, sports & culture, education & skilling, and technology,” he said while replying to query.
“These sectors will attract new industries, create new opportunities, and generate over 1.5 lakh jobs, making New Shillong a true hub of employment for our youth,” he said.
Highlighting on the progress made, the chief minister said, “We have made good progress on development of New Shillong City.”
Under Phase 1, the Administrative City houses key institutions like the Meghalaya Secretariat, IIM Shillong, NIFT, NEIAH, and NEIGRIHMS, creating a knowledge and healthcare hub.
The ₹1,231-crore Meghalaya Secretariat project is 35% complete, and the Legislative Assembly building is nearing completion, Sangma said.
The area is also evolving into a commercial centre with the Unity Mall (40% complete) and planned commercial streets.
Sangma said 64.9 acres were earmarked for higher education and skilling institutions, and the IT Park has generated 1,500 jobs.
Housing plans include 51.68 acres for residential development, with 10.9 acres for affordable housing (435 units).
Under Phase 2, the Knowledge City at Mawkhanu, will feature a major IT Park, Skills & Innovation Hub, a monolith tower, and a 40,000-seater football stadium.
“These developments will create vibrant new economies and generate jobs,” Sangma said.
The project prioritises environmental sustainability, community spaces, and job creation, with 85.9 acres allocated for parks and open spaces, he added.
Sangma said the Town and Country Planning Scheme involves traditional institutions and local communities in planning.
“The development of New Shillong is environmentally responsible, socially inclusive, economically transformative, and respectful of local communities,” he said, adding the government is committed to ensuring benefits for Mawryngkneng and surrounding areas.
The chief minister also highlighted three critical aspects of New Shillong City – connectivity, water, and power.
“Connectivity is the backbone of New Shillong,” he said, referring to a Comprehensive Mobility Plan (CMP) outlining a 30-year roadmap.
The CMP includes major roads like Ummir–Mawkhanu (completed at ₹201 crore) and internal networks for smooth movement. New Shillong also benefits from the proposed Guwahati–Shillong–Silchar high-speed corridor and airport upgrades, positioning it as a regional growth centre.
On water, Sangma said a Detailed Project Report (DPR) covers needs for 32 villages. “The new system will provide 56 million litres per day for over 4 lakh people,” he said. Phase I (₹591 crore) is under construction, drawing water from Wah Umkhen river.
For power, the 33 kV Umroh sub-station and expanded lines have cut outages. Upcoming 40 MVA substations at Mawkhanu and Umsawli will strengthen the grid.
Sangma said the Master Plan, prepared with NESAC using GIS, restricts development in flood and landslide-prone areas.
“The plan was shaped with strong community participation,” he said, thanking Dorbar Shnongs for inputs. The Meghalaya Building Bye-laws now ban construction on slopes over 50 degrees.
