Shillong, Apr 12: The Secretary of the Union Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER), Sanjay Jaju, reviewed a host of infrastructure and tourism projects in Meghalaya and expressed satisfaction over the pace of development, officials said on Saturday.
Jaju, who is on a two-day visit to the state, held a high-level review meeting at the Meghalaya Secretariat with the Chief Secretary and senior state government officials to assess the status of key initiatives and strengthen Centre-State coordination.
The Secretary reviewed a portfolio of 16 projects sanctioned between FY 2022-23 and FY 2025-26, with a total sanctioned amount of Rs 1,411.58 crore, exceeding the normative allocation of Rs 1,262 crore, officials at the North Eastern Council (NEC) told PTI.
This robust portfolio is led by the Prime Minister’s Development Initiative for North East Region (PM-DevINE) scheme, which funds seven major projects with a total sanctioned cost of Rs 773.92 crore, the officials said.
Among the key projects are the construction of a new four-lane road in the New Shillong Township sanctioned at a cost of Rs 146.79 crore and the development of an IT Park at Tura costing Rs 126.94 crore.
Significant funding has also been directed toward the tourism sector, including Rs 70.11 crore for a passenger ropeway at Shillong Peak and Rs 50.90 crore for a skywalk and tourist hub at Mawkdok, they added.
The development of the Sohra Tourism Circuit stands out as a flagship initiative under PM-DevINE, with a total sanctioned cost of Rs 233.75 crore, officials said.
The circuit involves nine projects aimed at preserving heritage and enhancing the visitor experience, they said.
The largest component is the Khasi Heritage Experiential Centre at Saitsohpen, budgeted at Rs 114.94 crore, followed by the development of the Nohkalikai Falls precinct at Rs 38.98 crore and the Mawsmai Eco Park at Rs 28.75 crore.
Other improvements are being carried out at Shella River Side, Nohsngithiang Falls, Mawsmai Cave, Wahkaliar Canyon, Arwah Cave and Wah Kaba Fall to ensure world-class tourism infrastructure in the region, officials said.
Under the North East Special Infrastructure Development Scheme (NESIDS), both road and other infrastructure projects are being taken up in the state.
The NESIDS-OTRI (Other Than Road Infrastructure) component includes projects such as the bulk water supply scheme for Tura town and the Greater Baghmara water supply project, officials said.
Addressing officials, Jaju expressed appreciation for the progress made in the Northeast, describing the pace of development as “heartwarming”.
He noted significant improvements in infrastructure, project execution and economic growth across the region, officials said.
He highlighted visible progress in road infrastructure, including new bypasses, as well as the construction of key public infrastructure such as secretariat buildings, research institutions, hospitals and libraries.
The MDoNER Secretary pointed to opportunities in the logistics sector and the potential of bamboo and turmeric as indicators of a promising economic future for Meghalaya, officials added. (PTI)
