Shillong, Feb 6: Meghalaya marked a new step in urban infrastructure with the opening of its first automated parking facility, designed to address growing congestion and roadside parking issues in the state capital.
The new parking system, located on Vivekananda Road near the Additional Secretariat, was inaugurated by Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma as part of ongoing efforts under the Shillong Smart City programme to modernise city services and manage traffic movement more efficiently.
Officials said the automated structure allows vehicles to be parked and retrieved using mechanical systems instead of traditional manual parking, helping save space while accommodating more vehicles within limited urban land. The facility is expected to reduce roadside parking around busy government and commercial zones, which often leads to slow traffic movement.
The Meghalaya automated multilevel car park Shillong has been developed in an area that witnesses heavy vehicle inflow due to nearby government offices and daily business activities. Authorities stated that organised parking infrastructure will help clear roads and improve accessibility for commuters, pedestrians, and emergency vehicles moving through the area.
During the inauguration, the state government indicated that similar parking projects are planned in other parts of Shillong to gradually expand organised parking capacity. Around nine additional sites have reportedly been identified across the city as part of a broader strategy to tackle urban congestion and unregulated roadside parking.
Officials also noted that parking reforms and partnerships with private landowners are being encouraged to create more structured parking options in the future. Complementary traffic measures, including improved public transport hubs, designated parking zones, and better road management, are also being taken up to support smoother traffic flow in the city.
The newly opened facility is expected to operate throughout the day to serve both government employees and the general public. Authorities said monitoring systems and operational staff have been deployed to ensure smooth functioning as vehicle usage begins to increase.
With the Meghalaya automated multilevel car park Shillong now functional, officials expect pressure on surrounding roads to gradually ease while encouraging more organised parking behaviour among motorists in Shillong.
