SHILLONG : Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER) secretary Sanjay Jaju reviewed key development initiatives during a two-day visit to Meghalaya, with officials reporting near-total utilisation of central allocations across major projects.
The visit began with a high-level meeting at the state secretariat involving the chief secretary and senior officials, focusing on project progress and improving Centre-state coordination to accelerate growth.
A major share of projects falls under Prime Minister’s Development Initiative for North East Region (PM-DevINE), including construction of a four-lane road in New Shillong Township and an IT park in Tura. Tourism projects under the scheme include a ropeway at Shillong Peak and a skywalk and tourist hub at Mawkdok.
Officials highlighted the Sohra Tourism Circuit as a flagship initiative, with projects such as the Khasi Heritage Experiential Centre at Saitsohpen and upgrades to key attractions including Nohkalikai Falls, Mawsmai Eco Park and nearby caves and waterfalls.
Additional works are being implemented under North East Special Infrastructure Development Scheme (NESIDS), covering both road and social infrastructure. These include water supply projects for Tura and Baghmara, as well as road rehabilitation and bridge construction projects across the state.
Jaju said the pace of development in the Northeast was “heartwarming,” citing improvements in infrastructure, project execution and economic activity. Drawing on his earlier experience with National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), he pointed to visible progress in highways, public infrastructure and institutional facilities.
He expressed confidence that the region could sustain growth over the next two years, while noting challenges such as land availability for industrial projects. He also highlighted emerging opportunities in logistics, bamboo and turmeric sectors as key drivers of Meghalaya’s economic potential.
