CORRESPONDENT
SHILLONG: Shillong marked a historic milestone on Thursday with the inauguration of its first-ever shopping mall, the Polo Commercial Complex, by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. This significant development is part of the Smart Cities Mission and is seen as a major step toward urban transformation in the region. The project, built at a cost of Rs 100.33 crore, represents Meghalaya's growing focus on modern infrastructure, combining contemporary commercial design with sustainable urban planning.
During the inauguration ceremony, Finance Minister Sitharaman highlighted the importance of the project, stating, "This marks a significant step in Shillong's development journey." She was joined by Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, Deputy Chief Minister and Urban Affairs Minister Snaiwbhalang Dhar, and Health Minister Dr. M. Ampareen Lyngdoh, along with senior officials from the Urban Affairs and Municipal departments.
The Polo Commercial Complex is spread across 1.26 acres and has a built-up area of 1.70 lakh square feet. It features 109 retail outlets and 8 commercial office spaces, with unit sizes ranging from 4,470.40 square feet to 396 square feet. A major attraction of the mall is its expansive 15,270 square foot food court and gaming zone, which is expected to become a central hub for leisure and retail activity in Shillong.
Designed in accordance with international standards, the mall includes five lifts, 12 escalators, and five emergency exits. It also offers parking for 86 cars and 50 two-wheelers. In terms of infrastructure, it is equipped with a 75-kilolitre sewage treatment plant, modern water treatment systems, 110 CCTV cameras for security, and a full-scale Building Management System (BMS) to ensure smooth operations.
In alignment with global sustainability goals, the complex incorporates rooftop solar panels and a rainwater harvesting system, marking a significant move toward environmentally responsible construction in urban commercial projects.
The foundation stone for the Polo Commercial Complex was laid on October 28, 2020. After four years of construction, the project was completed in December 2024. Today, it stands as a proud symbol of Shillong's evolution into a smart city, offering world-class civic infrastructure and modern urban amenities.
Also Read: Meghalaya: BJP MDC Bernard N Marak urges Governor to restore Sixth Schedule sanctity in GHADC
Also Watch: