Shillong, Aug 15 (NationPress) Meghalaya is on track to achieve a $16 billion economy by 2032, with an even more ambitious target of $100 billion by 2047, as announced by Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma during the Independence Day festivities in Shillong.

As we approach 2047—a landmark year celebrating India's 100th year of independence and Meghalaya's 75th year of statehood—the government envisions positioning the state among the top 10 in the nation for both per capita income and Sustainable Development Goals.

“Our vision is for a developed Meghalaya, one that ranks among India’s wealthiest states,” Sangma expressed to the audience.

The Chief Minister highlighted significant advancements in infrastructure, connectivity, health, tourism, agriculture, and governance reforms. Since 2018, the state has approved 3,500 km of roads and 126 bridges, improving road density from 43 km to 63 km per 1,000 sq km.

A Rs 22,864 crore high-speed corridor connecting Mawlyngkhung in Ri Bhoi to Silchar in Assam—with 86 percent of it within Meghalaya—has received clearance. Expansion plans include upgrades to Shillong Airport, operationalizing Baljek Airport in Tura, and introducing a new regional transport initiative.

In terms of rural development, more than 5.39 lakh households now have access to tap water connections, a dramatic rise from under 4,500 in 2019, encompassing 82.84 percent of village homes.

Housing coverage under PMAY(G) has reached 99.71 percent of approved units, while MGNREGS has generated 321 lakh person-days in 2024-25.

Tourism initiatives worth Rs 200 crore—including the redevelopment of Umiam Lake and a ropeway to Shillong Peak—are currently in progress. The state welcomed over 16 lakh tourists in 2024 and increased homestay subsidies to 80 percent.

Preparations for the 39th National Games in 2027 include a Rs 732 crore stadium with a capacity of 40,000 seats in Mawkhanu. Healthcare metrics have shown remarkable improvement, with maternal deaths down 51 percent and infant deaths down 37 percent over five years.

The Shillong Medical College is set to open shortly, alongside expanded dialysis centers, upgraded laboratories, and improved health facilities. Agricultural exports are on the rise, with black pepper shipped to Mumbai and premium pineapples to Dubai.

Entrepreneurship initiatives like PRIME and CM-ELEVATE have supported over 8,300 businesses, while Ryndia fabric has achieved Geographical Indication status.

On the environmental side, the Green Meghalaya PES scheme now encompasses 51,000 hectares, complemented by Rs 344 crore in catchment protection projects. Urban renewal efforts include enhancements to Ward’s Lake, Iewduh Market, and Polo Grounds.

The Shillong Technology Park (Phase II) and Tura Tech Park are expected to generate 24,000 jobs within the IT and services sectors. Emphasizing the need for a collective effort, Sangma stated: “Together we can elevate Meghalaya to be among India’s top 10 states by 2032.