Meghalaya to invest Rs 3,914.51 crore in 254 tourism infrastructure projects

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Friday said the state government is spending Rs 3,914.51 crore to develop 254 tourism infrastructure projects across the state.

He made the statement at a programme where the government handed over a plot of land adjacent to the scenic Umiam Lake to Indian Hotels Company Ltd (IHCL) for the construction of a five-star resort, estimated to cost Rs 330 crore.

The Tata Group-owned IHCL will develop the Taj Umiam Resort & Spa on the site, which officials described as the largest hospitality investment in Meghalaya so far.

Sangma said the upcoming property will be Shillong’s fourth five-star hotel, with two already operational and more in the pipeline. He added that Umiam was conceptualised as a tourism hub as early as 1988.

“What was envisioned decades ago is now being taken to the next level,” he said, thanking all stakeholders involved in the project.

The chief minister said the entry of the Taj brand into the region would generate employment, boost local businesses and further strengthen Meghalaya’s position as a premium tourism destination.

“This is just the beginning. With strategic investments, community participation and visionary planning, tourism will continue to be a key growth engine,” he said.

Sangma said Meghalaya recorded nearly 16 lakh visitors in 2024 and that tourism currently contributes 7.7 per cent to the state’s gross state domestic product (GSDP), a figure projected to rise to 8.8 per cent by 2032.

He said the government is implementing 254 tourism infrastructure projects, including 26 experiential projects such as the Shillong Ropeway, Mawkdok Skywalk, Meghalayan Cave Experience Centre at Mawmluh, and the Rain & Bamboo Interpretation Centre at Mawsynram. A total of Rs 3,914.51 crore is being spent on these initiatives, he said.

Highlighting Umiam’s strategic location, around 17 km from Shillong and 14 km from Umroi airport, Sangma said more than Rs 500 crore has been earmarked for its development. He added that the area is being developed as a high-end, low-density tourism hub aligned with ecological priorities.

The chief minister said the state is also focusing on community-based tourism. Under the CM-Meghalaya Homestay Mission, the government provides up to 70 per cent subsidy for homestays. While the earlier phase supported 800 homestays and generated 1,600 jobs, work is underway to develop 3,000 homestay units by 2028, he said.

Referring to Meghalaya’s potential in the concert economy, Sangma said 3.86 lakh people visited the state to attend seven major events between 2024 and 2025. A public investment of Rs 23.5 crore generated Rs 133.42 crore in economic activity and created around 5,500 jobs per day, benefiting youth, freelancers, women-led enterprises and homestay owners, he said.

Tourism Minister Timothy D Shira, GAD and C&RD Minister Sosthenes Sohtun and Meghalaya Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) Chairman Marthon Sangma were also present at the programme.