Meghalaya to come up with Skywalk from PB to Barik & New Shillong City

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaMarch 23, 2023

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma informed that a world class Skywalk from Police Bazaar, Shillong to Barik Point, Shillong will be built with an investment of Rs. 25 crore to facilitate pedestrian movement.

Sangma informed the floor of the House while presenting the budget on Thursday.

He said the population of the Shillong urban agglomeration has grown substantially over the last two decades leading to several urban development challenges.

Also Read | Meghalaya CM tables Rs 1,592 cr deficit budget

To resolve these issues and to realize the full potential of Shillong as a growth engine for the entire Northeast, the Chief Minister said “we will build ‘New Shillong’ as a twin city to Shillong.”

He further said the New Shillong City will be built as a futuristic and sustainable city. It will be a hub for knowledge, creative, cultural and sports industries, he added.

Also Read | Meghalaya Govt to set up heliports in Shillong & Tura

He also informed the entire State Administration including the Secretariat and the Directorates will be moved to New Shillong.

He further said all urban amenities like water supply, roads, power, and mobility will be planned systematically. The process of preparation of master plans and DPRs has been initiated, he added.

Also Read | Chief Minister’s Affordable Drug Centers to be launched in Meghalaya

The Chief Minister informed “We will set up express connectivity between Shillong and New Shillong to enable hassle free mobility. We plan to invest about Rs 5,000 crore on this ambitious project over the next five years.”

He also said they will also undertake comprehensive exercises to address the issues of congestion, waste management and beautification of Tura, Jowai and other urban centers.

Also Read | MDA Govt 2.0 first defined MCH as Mother & Child Health then as Maternity & Child Hospital in budget speech

He further said a blue-print to comprehensively address the issues of traffic congestion in Shillong is ready and is being implemented.

Sangma informed as an immediate measure, 30 buses have been procured at a cost of Rs 10 crore under the ‘Shared School Bus System’.

Also Read | Meghalaya to receive another Rs 3,700 crore for Jal Jeevan Mission

He also said additional interventions like improving of junctions, augmentation of parking, strengthening of public transport system and introduction of electric buses will be initiated in 2023-24.