SHILLONG, June 23: In a major boost to tourism, Meghalaya is set to construct one of India’s longest cantilever skywalks in the picturesque Mawkdok region of East Khasi Hills district. The ambitious ₹51.7 crore project has completed its tendering process, with construction scheduled to commence after the current monsoon season.
Announcing the project during his visit to Mawkdok village on Monday, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma stated that the skywalk is a flagship initiative of the state government under its public outreach programme, “CM Connect.” The project aims to transform Mawkdok into a world-class tourist destination while generating employment and stimulating the local economy.
The proposed skywalk, envisioned as a future engineering marvel, will feature a 40-metre-long walkway and a 7-metre-wide cantilever section. Its design is intended to offer breathtaking panoramic views of Mawkdok’s verdant valleys and rugged cliffs, creating a unique and immersive experience for visitors.
“This is a project that will change the face of tourism in the area and create new opportunities for the local economy,” said the Chief Minister. He emphasized that the skywalk would not only attract more tourists to the Sohra tourism circuit but also benefit local businesses and service providers.
Mawkdok, already a well-known tourist stop en route to Sohra (Cherrapunji), is famed for its dramatic landscapes and valley views. The skywalk is expected to elevate its profile as a premier tourist destination in Northeast India.
The project also holds strategic significance as part of the government’s broader push to develop tourism infrastructure. The Chief Minister reaffirmed the state’s commitment to tourism as a central pillar of economic development and expressed optimism that the Ministry for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) will continue to support such initiatives.
The foundation stone for the skywalk was jointly announced by Chief Minister Sangma and Union DoNER Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia during the Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival on November 15 last year.
