Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma addressed the issue of traffic congestion in Shillong, highlighting it as a major challenge. Sangma emphasized the government’s long-term strategy to tackle this problem, starting with the introduction of a modern parking facility.
The Chief Minister unveiled the state’s inaugural Automated Multilevel Car Park at Vivekananda Road near the Additional Secretariat. He pointed out that unorganized parking and insufficient parking spaces have significantly contributed to traffic jams in the state capital. Sangma mentioned that the government has identified nine additional locations for multilevel car parks, aiming to accommodate approximately 1,300 vehicles across various parts of the city.
Sangma stressed the importance of structured parking to prevent traffic disruptions caused by random roadside parking. He discussed the state’s new parking policy, allowing private landowners to collaborate with the government in developing parking facilities and generating revenue from these spaces. The Chief Minister underlined the necessity of designated parking areas to discourage haphazard parking practices.
Several initiatives were outlined by Sangma to alleviate traffic congestion, including the establishment of dedicated parking zones for public transport vehicles and taxis at Khyndailad. Additionally, plans were mentioned for relocating street vendors from busy roads, expanding key roadways, and proposing the construction of an elevated or four-lane road from Rhino Museum Point to Civil Hospital and Barik. Sangma also highlighted the gradual relocation of major administrative offices to the New Administrative City as a measure to reduce daily traffic burdens in Shillong.
