Shillong: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Friday laid the foundation for development projects worth over Rs 150 crore in Tura, the headquarters of West Garo Hills district. These initiatives aim to transform the town and enhance its infrastructure.
Major Projects Unveiled
The Chief Minister, who represents the Tura assembly constituency, announced that the Najing Bazar Redevelopment Project has been sanctioned at Rs 60.76 crore. This project will convert the area into a commercial hub with improved market infrastructure, parking facilities, hospitality spaces, vendor zones, and public amenities. It includes a commercial complex with basement parking for around 40 trucks and approximately 50 cars, a 70-bed hotel, a multipurpose banquet hall for 500 people, nearly 200 shops, and expanded vendor infrastructure to double the existing market capacity.
Multi-Level Parking and Cinema Complex
The multi-level car parking and cinema complex at Dakopgre, costing Rs 51.21 crore, aims to ease congestion and introduce modern recreational facilities. It will provide parking for around 200 cars, three cinema halls, a gaming zone, and a food court.
Community and Civic Upgrades
The Chief Minister also highlighted the refurbishment of the SMELC building as a key civic initiative to strengthen community learning, training, and public engagement spaces. The upgraded facility, along with proposed components such as an art and culture promenade, museum spaces, a kid zone park, a CM youth centre, and an active ageing centre, collectively amounts to nearly Rs 150 crore.
Urban Safety Enhancements
On urban safety, Sangma announced that 552 LED streetlights with smart control systems will be installed at a cost of Rs 6.51 crore. CCTV surveillance will be strengthened with around 300 units and nearly 500 cameras across Tura, integrated with command and control systems.
About the Author: Manosh Das is based in Meghalaya and reports on local issues including security, politics, and social developments, providing detailed coverage of events in the Northeast region, especially Meghalaya. His work reflects ground-level realities and concerns of the state's diverse communities.
