Shillong, July 4: The Meghalaya Urban Development Authority (MUDA) is reportedly suffering a staggering daily financial loss of ₹2,61,00,000 owing to the persistent refusal of street vendors to shift into the designated market stalls provided to them at Khyndai Lad. The loss arises from the underutilization of two specially constructed multi-level parking floors, designed to support both vendors and commuters.
These parking facilities, with a combined capacity of 500 vehicles (250 on each floor), were strategically developed to decongest the city’s core areas and support organized commerce. The projected daily revenue, calculated on an 18-hour operational day, is based on standard parking charges:
Private vehicles: ₹20/hour
Two-wheelers: ₹10/hour
Commercial taxis: ₹30/hour
Tourist vehicles: ₹100/hour
Pick-up trucks: ₹150/hour
Despite the infrastructure being ready and fully operational — including market spaces and sections in front of SBI — many vendors continue to occupy footpaths and roadsides near MUDA, citing higher footfall as their reason for staying. Their reluctance to shift has led to significant revenue leakage and a setback in urban planning.
To support the informal sector, the government has offered these stalls rent-free and provided a startup assistance package, ranging from ₹10,000 to ₹2,000 per month for five months, depending on the type and location of the vendor.
Leaders such as Urban Affairs Minister Bah Paul Lyngdoh and Deputy Chief Minister Bah Prestone Tynsong have urged vendors to cooperate with the initiative. They emphasized that vendor compliance would lead to cleaner public spaces, streamlined traffic, and reduced urban congestion, greatly benefiting the general public.
They also stressed that legal enforcement becomes more effective when vendors move into designated zones, making it easier for law enforcement agencies to manage crowd control and traffic regulation. At present, the city struggles with unauthorized parking, encroachments on footpaths, and disorderly vending, all of which severely affect civic life and developmental efforts.
The MUDA reiterates its appeal to all street vendors:
“Accept the government’s support and relocate to the designated facilities. Your cooperation is essential to ensure a cleaner, safer, and more organized Shillong for all.”
