Shillong, May 10: The state government has earmarked Rs 415.93 crore for the implementation of over 17 projects aimed at promoting the tourism industry in Meghalaya.

Informing this on Wednesday, Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh said that under the programme called the Meghalaya Eco Tourism Infrastructure Development Project, 17 projects are at the various stages of preparation.

“A total amount of Rs 415.93 crore has been earmarked for these projects,” he told reporters.

The minister said that the projects include the Shillong Peak Ropeway, which will take off sometime in November, this year, the integrated hospitality convention centre, Tura which is under construction, development of hospitality complex and tourism infrastructure at Mawlyndep, Sohra and Chibagre, which are under DPR preparation stage, the revamping of the convention centre at the Orchid Lake Resort, Umiam (under construction), development of tourism infrastructure at Nongkhnum River Island.

“These are at various stages of progress and we should be in a position to complete the process of calling tenders within the next two-three months,” he further added.

Lyngdoh also informed that he had recently visited the state’s whistling village ‘Kongthong’ along with the local MDC Titosstarwell Chyne, who is also the KHADC chief, and announced that a rural hospitality complex would be constructed at the village. “We have earmarked Rs. 7.45 crore (for the project),” he added.