Shillong, May 9: The Meghalaya government has said work on the proposed beautification of Shillong’s Police Bazar area will begin only after the office of the Speaker of the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly is shifted from Khyndailad to the New Shillong Township.
The project is aimed at upgrading one of Shillong’s busiest and most visited commercial stretches, which has become a major attraction for both residents and tourists over the years.
Deputy Chief Minister in charge of Urban Affairs Sniawbhalang Dhar said a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the redevelopment work is currently under preparation.According to Dhar, the government plans to include the land presently occupied by the Speaker’s office as part of the overall design and beautification plan for the area.
“We are waiting for the shifting of the office of the Speaker to New Shillong Township, after which we will integrate that space into the project,” he said.
The proposed redevelopment is expected to focus on improving the appearance, pedestrian movement and overall public experience in the Police Bazar-Khyndailad stretch, which remains one of Shillong’s most prominent urban spaces.Last year, authorities shifted hundreds of street vendors and hawkers from the area to the MUDA parking lot as part of preparations linked to the project.
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The relocation drive was carried out to reduce congestion and clear space for future development work in the pedestrian zone.At present, the Police Bazar stretch functions largely as a no-vehicle zone, with only local residents permitted limited access during specific hours.
The government has repeatedly stated that the project is intended to create a cleaner, more organised and tourist-friendly public space in the heart of Shillong.
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