Meghalaya has not spent ₹162 crore allocated for tourism infrastructure, destination development and community tourism as of July 31, 2026. Tourism Minister Timothy D Shira shared the information in the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly. The disclosure came as the state plans major investments to develop Umiam, Sohra, Dawki-Shnongpdeng and Nokrek as global tourist destinations.
The government has proposed projects worth hundreds of crores for these locations. Meanwhile, tourist visits to Meghalaya continue to rise, with the state recording 18.55 lakh visits in 2025.
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Key Facts
- State: Meghalaya
- Unspent tourism allocation: ₹162 crore
- Status: Unutilised as of July 31, 2026
- Tourism Minister: Timothy D Shira
- Assembly question: MLA Gavin Miguel Mylliem
- 2025 tourist visits: 18.55 lakh
- 2024 tourist visits: 16.08 lakh
- January–June 2026 visits: 11.15 lakh
- Planned global destinations: Umiam, Sohra, Dawki-Shnongpdeng and Nokrek
₹162 Crore Tourism Allocation Remains Unused
Meghalaya has left ₹162 crore unspent despite plans to expand tourism infrastructure across the state.
Tourism Minister Timothy D Shira disclosed the figures in the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly. He said the government had not utilised the entire allocation as of July 31, 2026.
The allocation covers tourism infrastructure, destination development and community tourism projects.
Government Plans Major Investments
The disclosure came after MLA Gavin Miguel Mylliem asked about the use of tourism funds.
He also sought details about plans for Umiam, Sohra, Dawki-Shnongpdeng and Nokrek.
The government has proposed major investments to develop these areas as global tourist destinations.
According to the minister, the proposed investment includes ₹595.98 crore for Umiam and ₹661.44 crore for Sohra.
The government has also earmarked ₹50.25 crore for Dawki-Shnongpdeng and ₹37 crore for Nokrek.
Tourism Footfall Continues to Rise
The unspent allocation comes as Meghalaya sees strong growth in tourist arrivals.
The state recorded 18.55 lakh tourist visits in 2025. The figure stood at 16.08 lakh in 2024.
Tourist numbers have continued to increase in 2026. Meghalaya recorded 11.15 lakh tourist visits between January and June 2026 alone.
The rising footfall has increased the importance of developing better tourism infrastructure and services.
Convention Centres at Tendering Stage
The Meghalaya government also provided an update on planned convention centres.
Modern convention centres in Nongpoh, Williamnagar, Mairang, Mawkyrwat, Nongstoin and Khliehriat are currently at the stage of being taken up for tendering.
The government has already tendered the convention centre project at Resubelpara.
Authorities have also submitted proposals to the Centre to seek funding for the projects.
Focus on Global Tourism Destinations
Meghalaya has been working to promote its natural landscapes and cultural attractions on a larger tourism platform.
Umiam, Sohra, Dawki-Shnongpdeng and Nokrek feature prominently in the state’s destination development plans.
However, the ₹162 crore unspent allocation raises questions about the pace of project implementation.
Effective use of tourism funds could help improve infrastructure and create more opportunities for local communities.
Community participation also remains important for ensuring that tourism growth benefits people living in and around major destinations.
How much tourism funding remains unspent in Meghalaya?
The government has not utilised ₹162 crore allocated for tourism infrastructure, destination development and community tourism as of July 31, 2026.
Which places does Meghalaya want to develop as global destinations?
The government has identified Umiam, Sohra, Dawki-Shnongpdeng and Nokrek for major destination development.
How much has the government proposed for Umiam and Sohra?
The government has earmarked ₹595.98 crore for Umiam and ₹661.44 crore for Sohra.
How many tourists visited Meghalaya in 2025?
Meghalaya recorded 18.55 lakh tourist visits in 2025, compared with 16.08 lakh in 2024.
What is the latest tourist footfall figure?
The state recorded 11.15 lakh tourist visits between January and June 2026.
What is the status of the convention centres?
Projects in Nongpoh, Williamnagar, Mairang, Mawkyrwat, Nongstoin and Khliehriat are moving towards tendering. Resubelpara has already been tendered.
Location Context
Meghalaya is one of Northeast India’s leading tourism destinations, known for its waterfalls, caves, hills and cultural attractions. The state’s rising tourist numbers make timely investment in infrastructure important for sustainable tourism growth and local economic development.
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