SHILLONG : Meghalaya is targeting an economy of ₹1.35 lakh crore by 2032, with the State government placing improved connectivity, new urban infrastructure, agriculture, tourism and private enterprise at the centre of its growth plans.
The target was highlighted by Meghalaya Legislative Assembly Speaker Thomas A. Sangma during the State’s 80th Independence Day celebration at Jrisalein Playground in Jowai on August 15.
Sangma linked the target with the government’s Mission 10 and Vision 2032 roadmap.
He said Meghalaya’s economy had more than doubled since 2018 and that the next phase of growth would require stronger infrastructure as well as more opportunities for young people, farmers, women and entrepreneurs.
Connectivity is expected to be one of the major drivers. The Dhubri-Phulbari bridge is among the projects expected to improve movement between Meghalaya and Assam, while the proposed Shillong-Silchar High-Speed Corridor and NH-127B corridor are aimed at strengthening links with markets beyond the State.
The World Bank-supported Meghalaya Logistics and Connectivity Improvement Project, with an estimated cost of around ₹2,462 crore, is also being implemented to improve transport links between important economic centres.
The government is simultaneously developing New Shillong as a future administrative and economic centre. Projects in the area include the New Secretariat, Unity Mall, an E-Bus Depot and infrastructure aimed at supporting technology and enterprise activities.
Sangma also pointed to employment and entrepreneurship programmes already operating across the State. More than 63,000 young people have been trained under various programmes, while PRIME and CM-ELEVATE are being used to support entrepreneurs and create employment opportunities.
Agriculture remains another major part of the State’s development strategy. Government programmes covering farm production, floriculture, mushrooms and jackfruit are being expanded, alongside efforts to increase allied activities such as fisheries.
Meghalaya recorded around 4,000 metric tonnes of fish production in 2025-26, according to the figures cited during the Independence Day address.
Tourism and the creative economy are also being positioned as sources of employment. The Meghalaya Homestay Mission has set a target of 3,000 homestays by 2028, while the Grassroots Music Programme provides paid performance opportunities to local musicians.
Education and sports were also included in the development agenda. Meghalaya is preparing to host the 39th National Games in 2027, with Shillong, Tura and Jowai among the proposed major venues.
Sangma said the State’s economic expansion should remain connected to its indigenous identity while creating wider opportunities for its people and contributing to the national goal of Viksit Bharat.
The ₹1.35 lakh-crore target now gives the State a defined medium-term economic benchmark as Meghalaya moves through the Vision 2032 period, with infrastructure and the expansion of sectors beyond traditional government employment expected to play a larger role in reaching it.
