Shillong ( Meghalaya) , July 24 : Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday inaugurated the Inter-State Bus Terminus (ISBT) at Mawiong in Shillong in presence of Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, Union DoNER Minister G. Kishan Reddy, MoS Science and Technology Dr Jitendra Singh, MoS DoNER B.L. Verma, Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong, Transport Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar, and a host of other dignitaries.
The construction of the State’s prestigious infrastructure ISBT has been funded by the Ministry of DoNER, and was built at an estimated cost of about 48.31 cr.
Inaugurating the ISBT, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said, “It is the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to connect all Northeast State capitals by road, rail and air by 2024. The inauguration of the ISBT in Meghalaya will go a long way in fructifying the vision of our Prime Minister”.
He said that the new ISBT in Shillong will accelerate economic activities, and facilitate better connectivity for passenger and goods vehicles.
“Shillong being the capital of erstwhile undivided Assam, it is natural and befitting that Shillong be connected with the other seven North Eastern States. This will help the economy and progress of Meghalaya and other Northeast states,” he said.
He said that good connectivity is essential to the region as a whole for its development, security and to bring back its old glory.
“IT connectivity is very crucial for development and progress and the Government of India has laid emphasis to ensure that IT enabled services reach every corner in the country, so that people can reap its benefit from the comfort of their homes,” the Union Minister added.
Chief Minister, Conrad K. Sangma thanked the Union Minister for his visit to Meghalaya. “Central Government is concerned about the progress and development of the Northeast. The visit of the Union Home Minister during the parliament session only goes to prove that the Government of India gives due importance for the economic progress of the region,” said Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma.
He said that road connectivity is paramount for ensuring accelerated growth and development in the region. The economic and business activities can only flourish if there is infrastructure to facilitate transport communication.
“Northeast has potential for economic activities with its neighbouring nations and good transport facilities will pave the way and foster better trade and communication not only for the region but for the country as a whole,” he added.
Shah also inaugurated the Cryogenic Oxygen plant at Umsawli and visited the Paediatric Unit at Covid Stepdown Hospital.
Earlier in the day, Shah laid the foundation for a multi-facility convention and exhibition centre at North Eastern Space Application Centre (NESAC), Umiam and held meeting with Chief Ministers of all Northeastern States on application of science and technology for mapping of forest gap areas, expansion of the land area for horticulture development, identification and rejuvenation of wetlands, diversion of flood water and assessment of bamboo resources for livelihood needs.
