Meghalaya: Khyndailad Declared Car Free Zone for 14 Hours Daily

Shillong: In a major step towards creating a cleaner and more pedestrian-friendly city, the Meghalaya government has declared Khyndailad (Police Bazar) in Shillong a vehicle-free zone from 7 am to 9 pm every day, effective immediately. The move aims to reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality in the city’s busiest commercial area.

Announcing the initiative, Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh said only residents of the Khyndailad-to-Dreamland stretch will be allowed vehicle access during restricted hours, and that too with one car pass per household. The Shillong Municipal Board is currently verifying resident details for pass distribution.

The decision follows the successful relocation of licensed street vendors to a designated vending zone at the MUDA parking complex, which had unintentionally turned into an alternate vehicle route. With the new rule, only vehicles with valid passes, school drop-off cars, and emergency services will be allowed entry during weekdays. Full restrictions will apply on weekends and holidays.

In a first for the region, the government has provided improved facilities for relocated vendors, including street lighting and upcoming public washrooms and drinking water stations. Financial relief of ₹10,000 will be given to each eligible vendor on August 5, followed by a monthly assistance of ₹2,000 for five months.

The pedestrian zone is part of a broader effort to turn Khyndailad into a cultural hub, with plans for evening music events, tourist guides, modern signage, and upgraded pavements. Officials also hinted at extending this model to Civil Hospital and Laitumkhrah areas in the future.

The refurbishment of the entire Police Bazar stretch is expected to begin within two weeks.