Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 201/21

REJOINDER FROM COMMISSIONER AND SECRETARY, TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT, MEGHALAYA

It has been reported in one of the English dailies today the 23rd July 2021, with the caption "Home Min to inaugurate 'incomplete' ISBT Project," that Hon'ble Union Home Minister will be inaugurating the Inter State Bus Terminus at Mawiong which is yet to be completed. It is pertinent to note that this report has been made without verification of facts on the ground. The picture captured in the news item is that of workers cleaning the facade and other parts of the building and not doing any pending work. Further, the contention that multi-axle buses would not be able to enter the ISBT is incorrect and bereft of facts. Additional land that has been referred to is simply to make the entrance to the ISBT complex bigger and wider and in no way indicates that the current entry is not suitable for entry of multi - axle buses or for that matter any bus. The fact is that the ISBT is ready in all aspects and can be made operational immediately but for the Covid restrictions regarding movement of public transport, both inter-state and inter-district currently in place. The Hon'ble Minister Transport has been quoted out of context and the statement attributed to him is denied categorically. It would have been prudent that before any report is published, the facts are first cross-checked and verified instead of trying to sensationalise the matter before the visit of Hon'ble Union Home Minister.

Press Release No. 204/21

UNION HOME MINISTER SHRI. AMIT SHAH INAUGURATES THE ISBT AT MAWIONG ON 24TH JULY 2021

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday inaugurated the Inter-State Bus Terminus (ISBT) at Mawiong in Shillong in presence of Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, Union DoNER Minister G. Kishan Reddy, MoS Science and Technology Dr Jitendra Singh, MoS DoNER B.L. Verma, Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong, Transport Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar, and a host of other dignitaries. The construction of the State’s prestigious infrastructure ISBT has been funded by the Ministry of DoNER, Government of India and was built at an estimated cost of about 48.31 cr.

Inaugurating the ISBT, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said,“It is the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to connect all Northeast State capitals by road, rail and air by 2024. The inauguration of the ISBT in Meghalaya will go a long way in fructifying the vision of our Prime Minister”.He said that the new ISBT in Shillong will accelerate economic activities, and facilitate better connectivity for passenger and goods vehicles.“Shillong being the capital of erstwhile undivided Assam, it is natural and befitting that Shillong be connected with the other seven North Eastern States. This will help the economy and progress of Meghalaya and other Northeast states,” he said.He said that good connectivity is essential to the region as a whole for its development, security and to bring back its old glory. “IT connectivity is very crucial for development and progress and the Government of India has laid emphasis to ensure that IT enabled services reach every corner in the country, so that people can reap its benefit from the comfort of their homes” the Union Minister added.

Chief Minister, Conrad K. Sangma thanked the Union Minister for his visit to Meghalaya. “Central Government is concerned about the progress and development of the Northeast. The visit of the Union Home Minister during the parliament session only goes to prove that the Government of India gives due importance for the economic progress of the region,” said Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma. He said that road connectivity is paramount for ensuring accelerated growth and development in the region. The economic and business activities can only flourish if there is infrastructure to facilitate transport communication. “Northeast has potential for economic activities with its neighbouring nations and good transport facilities will pave the way and foster better trade and communication not only for the region but for the country as a whole,” he added.

Shah also inaugurated the Cryogenic Oxygen plant at Umsawli and visited the Paediatric Unit at Covid Stepdown Hospital.

Earlier in the day, Shah laid the foundation for a multi-facility convention and exhibition centre at North Eastern Space Application Centre (NESAC), Umiam and held meeting with Chief Ministers of all Northeastern States on application of science and technology for mapping of forest gap areas, expansion of the land area for horticulture development, identification and rejuvenation of wetlands, diversion of flood water and assessment of bamboo resources for livelihood needs.