SHILLONG, JUN 18: Meghalaya has proposed New Shillong as its flagship tourism destination with a ₹450 crore, 123-meter monolith tower complex at the centre of an ambitious master plan unveiled Tuesday.
The Department of Tourism hosted a State-Level Consultative Workshop on ‘Developing Global Standard Tourist Destinations’ at State Guest House, Taraghar.
The workshop brought together officials, stakeholders and tourism operators to map the state’s shift toward high-value, sustainable tourism.
Tourism Minister Timothy D Shira said the plan marks a “pivotal shift” for Meghalaya’s tourism landscape.
He announced a dedicated Destination Management Organisation to oversee quality, inter-departmental coordination and single-point accountability.
Stressing sustainability, he said, “Tourism must not come at the cost of our environment or our cultural identity. Instead, it should strengthen both.”
The proposed New Shillong ecosystem will be anchored by the monolith tower with a skywalk, making it India’s second tallest public monument after Gujarat’s Statue of Unity.
The complex will house immersive galleries, restaurants, cafeterias and souvenir shops.
Plans also include a public park, amusement park, Meghalayan theme park showcasing local culture and sports, luxury resort and hotel, event ground, convention centre and an upcoming football stadium.
Commissioner & Secretary Rosetta Mary Kurbah said the goal is to move beyond the state’s current 18 lakh annual visitors by attracting international tourists and promoting experiential stays over day trips.
She urged stakeholders and line departments to contribute ideas and stressed the need for high-quality infrastructure — seamless connectivity, reliable water and power, congestion planning and beautification — with local culture reflected in hospitality design.
Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat’s recent visit to Umiam and New Shillong, along with the Centre’s push for global-standard destinations under PM Narendra Modi’s vision, was cited as key backing for the plan.
Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma’s vision of positioning Meghalaya as a premier sustainable tourism hub was also highlighted.
Discussions also covered Umiam’s roadmap for transformation into a world-class destination, focusing on infrastructure, environment protection and better connectivity.
The workshop ended with an interactive session aimed at building partnerships to boost tourist footfall and livelihood opportunities.
