Meghalaya Education Minister Lahkmen Rymbui on Tuesday expressed satisfaction over the rapid progress of the New Shillong Township project, describing it as a critical component of the State Government’s long-term strategy to address mounting urban pressures in Shillong, particularly traffic congestion. However, he cautioned that infrastructure development alone would not offer a lasting solution unless it was complemented by greater civic responsibility, public ownership of common assets and stronger cooperation between citizens and the government.
As Shillong continues to grapple with increasing vehicular density, urban expansion and pressure on existing infrastructure, the Minister said the Government has been pursuing a multi-pronged approach that combines major road projects with the development of New Shillong as an alternative urban growth centre. He noted that traffic congestion is not unique to Meghalaya but is a challenge faced by hill stations across the world.
“See the in all the hill station all over the world that there is a problem of traffic congestion. You have seen four days back, in Sikkim 72,000 vehicles are going to Sikkim in three days, so in Shillong also congestion is there, and this congestion is a permanent. It is very difficult for us to resolve,” Rymbui said.
He said the Government has identified several infrastructure projects aimed at reducing pressure on Shillong’s roads and improving connectivity with emerging urban centres.
“But what is the solution, the solution is that we have, that Shillong Bypass, we have Western bypass and the government of Meghalaya is also planning to build the flyover from Polo to New Shillong, and the government is also is trying to get a land and get some from Jowai-Shillong road connecting to New Shillong,” The Education Minister said.
The Minister further said the success of these initiatives is closely linked to the availability of land, which continues to be a major challenge for infrastructure expansion in the State.
“So, these are all measures that the government did, but if the government get land, the government will surely expand but we have a problem to even to make a 4-Lane to Rhino point to Junction, we have a problem. So, land is a problem but this is not only in the state of Meghalaya but all over the world, in all hill station, there is a problem of traffic congestion,” Rymbui added.
Emphasising that road projects alone cannot solve Shillong’s long-term urban challenges, the Amlarem MLA said the Government has taken a decisive position on the development of New Shillong Township as a future growth centre.
“So, ring road, bypass is a solution and more importantly, the best solution is that the government under the leadership of chief minister have taken a decision that New Shillong, whether you like or don’t like, is a reality,” he said.
The Minister expressed confidence in the pace of development at the township, stating that efforts have been made to provide all necessary amenities and infrastructure to support future expansion.
“I am very happy with the progress of the work of New Shillong Township, where all amenities have been tried to provide, so, this is one of the solutions,” he said.
At the same time, he stressed that lasting change would require active public participation and a greater sense of collective responsibility.
“But if you tell that will be a permanent solution, no, until unless we have a basic sense of responsibility in ourselves, a sense of ownership of all the things and sense of corporation with the government, very difficult,” Rymbui said.
The remarks come amid growing concerns over traffic congestion in Shillong, with the State Government increasingly focusing on bypasses, connectivity corridors and the expansion of New Shillong Township as part of its broader urban planning strategy.
