Meghalaya CM Conrad Sangma pushes for global tourism hub with airport, ropeway projects
Synopsis
Meghalaya recorded nearly 18 lakh tourist arrivals in 2025 and has officially awarded the Shillong Airport runway expansion — a move CM Conrad Sangma called a 'game changer.' With 150-plus projects worth thousands of crores underway, the state is making its most ambitious push yet to become a globally recognised destination.
Key Takeaways
Chief Minister Conrad K.
Sangma addressed the Empowerment of Tourism Champions of Meghalaya programme at Orchid Lake, Umiam on 6 May 2025 .
Provisional figures show nearly 18 lakh tourist arrivals in 2025 , according to Tourism Minister Timothy D.
The Shillong Airport runway expansion has been officially awarded by the Government of India and is expected to be completed within 15 months .
More than 150 tourism projects involving investments worth thousands of crores are currently being implemented across the state.
Iconic projects under development include the Shillong Ropeway , Mawkdok Skywalk , Rain Museum in Mawsynram , and Living Root Bridge Museum .
Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Wednesday, 6 May 2025, said that tourism in the hill state can succeed only when all stakeholders work together as part of a larger ecosystem, asserting that the government is focused on building Meghalaya into a globally recognised travel destination.
Addressing the
Point of View
But the Shillong Airport runway expansion — now formally awarded — gives this round of announcements a harder edge than previous policy speeches. The 18 lakh arrivals figure is provisional and unverified by an independent body, which matters when thousands of crores in project investment are being justified on demand projections. The real test will be whether the infrastructure pipeline — ropeway, skywalk, museums — translates into year-round visitor retention rather than peak-season spikes. Meghalaya's tourism story has long been hampered by connectivity and safety concerns; the runway expansion addresses one, but the others remain works in progress.
NationPress
8 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Meghalaya CM Conrad Sangma announce for tourism in May 2025?
Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma announced that the Shillong Airport runway expansion has been officially awarded by the Government of India and is expected to be completed within 15 months. He also highlighted over 150 ongoing tourism infrastructure projects across Meghalaya.
How many tourists visited Meghalaya in 2025?
According to Tourism Minister Timothy D. Shira, provisional figures show nearly 18 lakh tourist arrivals in Meghalaya in 2025. The minister described tourism as one of the strongest pillars of the state's economy.
What major tourism projects are under development in Meghalaya?
Several projects are currently under development, including the Shillong Ropeway, Mawkdok Skywalk, Rain Museum in Mawsynram, Living Root Bridge Museum, and tourism centres in Sohra, Mandalgre, and Siju.
Why is the Shillong Airport runway expansion significant for Meghalaya?
The runway expansion will enable larger aircraft to operate at Shillong Airport, improving air connectivity to the state. CM Sangma described it as a 'game changer for tourism in Meghalaya,' as better connectivity is a key driver of tourist arrivals.
What was the Empowerment of Tourism Champions of Meghalaya programme?
It was an event organised by the Meghalaya state Tourism Department at Orchid Lake in Umiam, bringing together tourism entrepreneurs, artisans, students, community leaders, and beneficiaries from across the state. The programme included distribution of sanction letters, scholarship support for hospitality students, and recognition of tourism stakeholders.
