Shillong: Sanjay Jaju, Secretary of the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER), on Saturday reviewed major infrastructure and tourism projects in Meghalaya and expressed satisfaction with the pace of development in the state.
During his two-day visit, Jaju chaired a high-level review meeting at the Meghalaya Secretariat with the Chief Secretary and senior officials to assess ongoing initiatives and enhance Centre-State coordination.
Officials said the review covered 16 projects sanctioned between FY 2022-23 and FY 2025-26, with a total outlay of Rs 1,411.58 crore-exceeding the state's normative allocation of Rs 1,262 crore.
The North Eastern Council (NEC), the nodal agency for the region's development, highlighted that a significant portion of these projects fall under the PM-DevINE scheme.
Seven major projects under the scheme account for Rs 773.92 crore.
Key infrastructure works include a four-lane road in New Shillong Township, sanctioned at Rs 146.79 crore, and an IT Park in Tura with an outlay of Rs 126.94 crore.
In the tourism sector, projects such as a passenger ropeway at Shillong Peak (Rs 70.11 crore) and a skywalk-cum-tourist hub at Mawkdok (Rs 50.90 crore) are being developed.
Among flagship initiatives, the Sohra Tourism Circuit stands out with a sanctioned cost of Rs 233.75 crore.
The project comprises nine components aimed at boosting tourism and preserving local heritage.
Major works include the Khasi Heritage Experiential Centre at Saitsohpen (Rs 114.94 crore), development of the Nohkalikai Falls precinct (Rs 38.98 crore), and Mawsmai Eco Park (Rs 28.75 crore).
Additional upgrades are underway at sites such as Shella River Side, Nohsngithiang Falls, Mawsmai Cave, Wahkaliar Canyon, Arwah Cave and Wah Kaba Fall.
Under the NESIDS, both road and non-road infrastructure projects are being implemented.
These include key water supply schemes for Tura town and the Greater Baghmara area under the NESIDS-OTRI component.
Addressing officials, Jaju described the progress in the Northeast as "heartwarming," citing visible improvements in road connectivity, project execution, and economic growth.
He also pointed to expanding opportunities in logistics and the growing potential of sectors such as bamboo and turmeric as indicators of Meghalaya's evolving economic landscape.