Occupying a piece of prime real estate now, the police reserve in Shillong will be moved to Tynring in the New Shillong Township, it was announced today, freeing up the current plot of land for redevelopment.
In a post on social media, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said that the move is part of the government’s efforts to decongest Shillong and the cabinet thus approved the decision to relocate the police reserve to Tynring where an area of 50 acres will be allocated for the new reserve.
Meanwhile, cabinet minister and government spokesperson Paul Lyngdoh stated that once the police reserve is relocated, the adjacent Shillong jail would also be shifted. The Urban Affairs Department will then assess the most suitable use for the vacated space, taking into consideration the city’s various requirements.
The police reserve and jail are located close to the heart of Shillong, just down the road from Khyndailad, the city’s main commercial zone. Jail Road, as it is now known, has attracted significant redevelopment, with the creation of the Courtyard by Marriott hotel and massive redevelopment of the Meghalaya Transport Corporation property there. Having an overcrowded jail with all manner of inmates close by would not, it seems, be in keeping with the government’s plan to spruce up the area.
When questioned about the timeline for the move, Lyngdoh assured that the process would commence without delay and the authorities will now work towards setting up the new police reserve as soon as possible.
On the financial and infrastructural front, Lyngdoh highlighted that the relocation aligns with the city’s long-term urban planning goals. The move is expected to ease congestion and pave the way for critical infrastructure projects in Shillong’s core areas.
