Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma has unveiled an ambitious economic roadmap for Meghalaya, projecting the state’s transformation into a $16-billion economy by 2032 and a $100-billion economy by 2047. The announcement was made during the Independence Day celebrations in Shillong, where Sangma outlined a comprehensive development strategy aimed at placing Meghalaya among India’s top 10 states in per capita income and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
By 2047, which marks India’s centenary of independence and Meghalaya’s 75th year of statehood, the government envisions a “developed Meghalaya” driven by infrastructure, tourism, healthcare, agriculture, and technology.
Key highlights of the roadmap include:
– Infrastructure: Since 2018, the state has sanctioned 3,500 km of roads and 126 bridges, increasing road density from 43 km to 63 km per 1,000 sq km. A ₹22,864-crore high-speed corridor connecting Mawlyngkhung in Ri Bhoi to Silchar in Assam—86% of which lies in Meghalaya—has been approved.
– Connectivity: Plans are underway to expand Shillong Airport, operationalize Baljek Airport in Tura, and launch a new regional transport scheme.
– Rural Development: Over 5.39 lakh households now have tap water connections, up from fewer than 4,500 in 2019, covering 82.84% of village homes. Housing coverage under PMAY (G) has reached 99.71% of sanctioned units.
– Employment: MGNREGS generated 321 lakh person-days in 2024–25. Entrepreneurship schemes like PRIME and CM-ELEVATE have supported over 8,300 ventures.
– Tourism: Projects worth ₹200 crore—including Umiam Lake redevelopment and a ropeway to Shillong Peak—are underway. The state recorded over 16 lakh tourist arrivals in 2024 and increased homestay subsidies to 80%.
– Sports: Preparations for the 39th National Games in 2027 include a ₹732-crore, 40,000-seat stadium in Mawkhanu.
– Healthcare: Maternal deaths have declined by 51% and infant deaths by 37% over five years. The Shillong Medical College is set to open soon, alongside expanded dialysis centers and upgraded labs.
– Agriculture: Exports of black pepper to Mumbai and premium pineapples to Dubai are growing steadily.
– Environment: The Green Meghalaya PES scheme now covers 51,000 hectares, supported by ₹344-crore catchment protection projects.
– Technology: The Shillong Technology Park (Phase II) and Tura Tech Park are expected to create 24,000 jobs in the IT and services sector.
Calling for collective effort, CM Sangma said, “Together we can place Meghalaya among India’s top 10 states by 2032.”
