Shillong (Meghalaya), June 17: Meghalaya rolled out a bold master plan for New Shillong on Tuesday, anchored by a ₹450 crore monolith tower that aims to put the state on the global tourism map. The Department of Tourism revealed the blueprint at a state-level workshop on global standard tourist destinations held at State Guest House Taraghar.
The 123-meter tower will be India’s second tallest public monument after the Statue of Unity and is set to drive New Shillong’s transformation into a premier high-value tourism hub. The push follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for world-class destinations and builds on Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma’s plan to make Meghalaya a sustainable tourism leader. The momentum picked up after Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat’s recent visit to Umiam and New Shillong, where he called tourism a potential growth engine for both the state and the nation.
Tourism Minister Timothy D. Shira announced a dedicated Destination Management Organisation to oversee quality, coordinate departments and ensure accountability as tourist numbers grow. Tourism must not come at the cost of our environment or our cultural identity, he said. Instead, it should strengthen both.
Commissioner and Secretary Rosetta Mary Kurbah said the state wants to move beyond its current 18 lakh annual visitors by attracting international tourists for longer, experience-driven stays. The plan calls for high-end hospitality with local flavor, plus seamless connectivity, reliable water and power, decongestion measures and beautification across tourist circuits.
The tower complex will feature a skywalk, immersive galleries, restaurants, cafeterias and souvenir shops. Around it, New Shillong will get a public park, amusement park and a Meghalayan theme park showcasing local culture and sports. A luxury resort, luxury hotel, event ground, convention centre and a new football stadium are also in the works.
Officials also discussed upgrading Umiam into a world-class destination, with focus on infrastructure, environment and connectivity. The workshop wrapped up with stakeholders exploring ways to raise Meghalaya’s global profile and create jobs through tourism partnerships.
