Meghalaya Launches Street Safety Initiative with Student-Led Urban Design Trial

Shillong: A group of 25 students recently launched Meghalaya’s new street safety initiative by transforming the area in front of Aayakar Bhavan with colorful street art, marking the state’s first step in its Reimagining Streets programme. This tactical urbanism trial, extending from the IGP to the DC office junction, is a part of Meghalaya’s ambitious plan to enhance pedestrian safety and mobility in urban spaces.

The month-long trial incorporates painted pathways, traffic cones, planter boxes, and new road markings to evaluate public response and test potential permanent changes. The initiative draws its inspiration from the Shillong Urban Mobility Policy, introduced earlier this year, which aims to dedicate 30% of road space to non-motorized transport by 2030, focusing on making streets safer and more accessible for pedestrians and cyclists.

Officials from the Deputy Commissioner’s office, the Urban Affairs Department, and the Public Works Department supervised the student-led painting activity, supporting the young volunteers in bringing their vision to life. Community feedback will be gathered throughout the trial period to inform final decisions on permanent streetscape modifications.

Meghalaya joins other cities experimenting with low-cost urban design to improve street layouts with minimal disruption. By inviting public participation, the government hopes to create safer, more inclusive urban spaces that reflect the needs of its residents.