Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma unveiled an ambitious plan to transform Meghalaya into a premier cultural and experiential tourism destination through a series of high-value infrastructure projects aimed at generating employment and strengthening the local economy.
At the centre of the proposal are the iconic Monolith Towers to be constructed at New Shillong in the Mawkhanu area. The Chief Minister said the towers will rise to 123 metres, making them the second tallest structures in India after the Statue of Unity.
Describing the project as a state-of-the-art tourist attraction, Sangma said the towers will feature elevators, restaurants and a circular glass skywalk at the summit, offering panoramic views of the surrounding hills. Advanced lighting systems and laser shows are planned to narrate Meghalaya’s history, culture and traditions each evening, creating an immersive experience for visitors. He drew comparisons with global landmarks such as the Burj Khalifa, emphasising the use of cutting-edge technology.
The Monolith Tower Complex, conceptualised by INI Design Studio, will span approximately 213.8 acres and is envisioned as an integrated tourism, cultural and ecological hub. Inspired by the traditional Khasi and Jaintia monoliths (Mawbynna), the project seeks to reflect the region’s ancestral heritage.
Officials said the complex will include five experiential galleries themed around rain, caves, living root bridges, tribal life, and Meghalaya’s rich biodiversity. Plans also provide for a 72-metre sky bridge linking the towers, elevated dining spaces and comprehensive visitor amenities.
Sangma stated that the Monolith Towers are part of a broader strategy to decongest Shillong by developing new tourism hubs across the state.
Other projects in the pipeline include a Rs 51-crore skywalk and tourist hub at Mawkdok, described as India’s longest cantilever structure; a Rs 30-crore Tribal Heritage Experience Centre at Mandalgre; an eco-resort at Sakaladuma; and a Rain and Bamboo Museum at Mawsynram.
Under the PM-DevINE initiative, Meghalaya has secured Rs 233 crore for tourism development in Sohra. The plan includes the construction of an experiential centre with an amphitheatre and related infrastructure to enhance visitor engagement.
Highlighting tourism’s multiplier effect on the economy, the Chief Minister said the government is pursuing a balanced approach that combines large-scale infrastructure with community-led initiatives. Nearly 1,000 new homestays have already been established across the state, with a target to add 3,000 more in the coming years.
Sangma also underscored efforts to promote grassroots music and local talent, noting that artistes are being provided regular performance opportunities and financial support through state-backed events. Some local bands have gone on to perform at venues such as Hard Rock Cafe outlets across India.
Reaffirming the long-term vision, the Chief Minister said the objective is to create a sustainable tourism ecosystem that preserves cultural heritage while generating widespread employment and economic growth throughout Meghalaya.
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