New Delhi, Dec 15: With a focus on providing better facilities for the citizens of the state in the national capital, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma laid the foundation stone today for a modern Meghalaya House Annexe at 9, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Road in New Delhi, marking a significant step toward upgrading the state’s footprint in the country’s power centre.
The event was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong and General Administration Department Minister Sosthenes Sohtun, Meghalaya chief secretary S Ahmed and Principal Secretary P Sampath Kumar, among other officials.
The ambitious project, set to unfold in two phases, will add 24 guest rooms and a dedicated meeting hall in its initial stage, at an estimated cost of ₹22 crore. Coming up within the 1.99-acre premises of the original Meghalaya House—built in 1971—the annexe aims to address the surging demand from state residents traveling to Delhi for official duties, job interviews, exams, medical care, and personal matters.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma emphasized the annexe’s role as a “home away from home.” “Meghalaya House in Delhi must primarily serve the people of the State by ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for visitors and officials alike,” he said. Urging officials to prioritize top-tier construction with contemporary amenities, the Chief Minister expressed optimism: “We are hopeful that we will have very good infrastructure with proper service.”
The chief minister envisioned the new facility as more than bricks and mortar— saying it ought to embody Meghalaya’s rich heritage. “The building should be iconic and reflect the culture and traditions of the people of Meghalaya,” he noted, calling for public spaces designed to uplift and support state visitors. He also highlighted the irreplaceable “human touch,” advising staff: “New infrastructure alone is not enough. A smile, a warm welcome to someone visiting Delhi for the first time from Meghalaya can make all the difference.”
With enhanced capacity, the annexe is poised to make Meghalaya House the top choice for state residents in the capital. “Once completed, the 24 guest rooms will significantly enhance our capacity to accommodate visitors from Meghalaya. I look forward to the timely completion of the project,” Sangma added.
The construction of the new Annexe is expected to not only streamline stays for Meghalayans but also strengthen the state’s cultural and administrative presence in New Delhi.
