Shillong, December 4, 2024: The High-Power Committee (HPC) reviewing the progress of the New Meghalaya Assembly Building construction at Mawdiangdiang has extended the project’s completion timeline, aiming for inauguration before the Autumn Session of 2025.
Chairing the meeting, Meghalaya Legislative Assembly Speaker Thomas A. Sangma emphasized the importance of caution due to the building’s unique structural design. “The High-Power Committee meeting today was very productive. With deep concern, we have made certain decisions. The progress so far is satisfactory, but we are proceeding very slowly and carefully because of the unique structural design of the main hall dome. There is no similar design in this part of the country. We cannot afford to rush and risk another mishap,” he stated.
The meeting was attended by Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, Deputy Chief Ministers Prestone Tynsong and Sniawbhalang Dhar, Leader of the Opposition Dr. Mukul Sangma, legislators Charles Pyngrope, Lahkmen Rymbui, and Banteidor Lyngdoh, Chief Secretary D.P. Wahlang, Assembly Commissioner and Secretary Dr. Andrew Simons, and other senior officials.
Following the meeting, the Speaker outlined the challenges causing delays, particularly the intricate dome design. “A structural engineer has already been posted at the site to ensure quality control. Initially, we hoped to hold the budget session here, but we regret that the sensitive work still pending won’t allow us to do so. Instead, we aim to complete the project and inaugurate the building before the autumn session of 2025,” he said.
The dome structure, a critical element, remains the primary cause of delay. “The majority of the pending work involves the dome. It includes extensive steel structures being welded and fixed, which takes time and precision,” he explained.
Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma echoed the need for meticulous execution, referencing a past mishap during construction. “The work is progressing well, but we have faced challenges. Engineers from the Public Works Department (PWD), the Project Management Consultant (PMC), and contractors have held multiple reviews to address every detail. The HPC has agreed on a 100-day extension, making it impossible to hold the Budget Session as originally planned. However, we remain optimistic about completing the project by the Autumn Session of 2025,” he stated.
Highlighting modifications to the dome’s design and materials, the Chief Minister said, “The earlier dome design was suspended on a platform and weighed 3,000 metric tons. Now, the new design places the dome’s structure on the main beams and foundation, reducing the weight to 85 metric tons. This change ensures greater stability and addresses seismic safety, rain leakage, and long-term maintenance concerns.”
The new Assembly building is envisioned as an iconic and functional structure, designed to provide a conducive working environment with adequate space for legislators, staff, and political parties.