NewKerala.com

Key Points

The Centre has approved a Rs 22,864 crore highway project connecting Shillong and Silchar to transform Northeast connectivity. This 166.8 km greenfield corridor will slash travel times while supporting cement and coal industries in Meghalaya. Expected to handle 20,000 vehicles daily, it will create massive employment and boost access to regional airports. The project aligns with PM Gati Shakti's vision to accelerate economic growth across five Northeastern states.

Key Points: Rs 22,864 Crore Shillong-Silchar Highway to Boost Northeast Connectivity

  • 166.8 km highway to connect Shillong and Silchar
  • Rs 22,864 crore project to generate 137 lakh man-days employment
  • Will reduce NH-06 congestion and boost tourism
  • Aligns with PM Gati Shakti and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives
2 min read

Boost to connectivity, economy, tourism and employment in Northeast India

New 166.8 km highway to cut travel time, create jobs, and boost tourism in Meghalaya and Assam under PM Gati Shakti plan

"The corridor will enhance regional logistics by reducing travel time and improving cargo movement - Ministry of Road Transport"

New Delhi, May 2

In a major infrastructure boost for the Northeast, the Centre has approved a project for development, maintenance, and management of a 166.80 km Greenfield High-Speed Corridor between Mawlyngkhung (near Shillong) in Meghalaya and Panchgram (near Silchar) in Assam, officials said on Friday.

They said the project will be implemented under the Hybrid Annuity Mode (HAM) and will have a total capital cost of Rs 22,864 crore.

According to officials, the critical infrastructure project will improve inter-city connectivity between Guwahati, Shillong, and Silchar, traversing through Ri Bhoi, East Khasi Hills, West Jaintia Hills, East Jaintia Hills in Meghalaya and Cachar district in Assam, reduce congestion on existing NH-06 and enhance transport infrastructure development in line with the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan.

The proposed access-controlled four-lane highway will span 144.80 km in Meghalaya and 22.00 km in Assam. With an estimated civil construction cost of Rs 12,087 crore and land acquisition valued at Rs 3,503 crore, the project is expected to generate approximately 137 lakh man-days of direct and indirect employment.

The project will integrate several major highways, including NH-27, NH-106, NH-206, and NH-37, and is expected to handle daily traffic of 19,000-20,000 Passenger Car Units (PCU) by FY25.

The corridor will enhance regional logistics by reducing travel time, improving cargo movement, and supporting Meghalaya's cement and coal-based industries. It will also improve access to scenic destinations and regional airports, boosting tourism.

The route will connect key locations such as Diengpasoh, Ummulong, Phramer, Khlieriat, Ratachera, Umkiang, and Kalain, and improve access to Guwahati, Shillong, and Silchar airports.

Districts benefiting directly from the project include Ri Bhoi, East Khasi Hills, West Jaintia Hills, East Jaintia Hills in Meghalaya, and Cachar in Assam.

Officials said the corridor aligns with the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan. It supports the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision by enhancing multi-modal connectivity, reducing logistics costs, and accelerating socio-economic development in remote and border areas.

They said that the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways will oversee the implementation of the project.

Upon completion, the Shillong-Silchar Corridor will play a pivotal role in regional economic growth, improving connectivity between Guwahati, Shillong, Silchar, Imphal, Aizawl and Agartala. The project aligns with the government's vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat, enhancing infrastructure while generating employment and fostering socio-economic development in Meghalaya, Assam, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priya K.
This is fantastic news for the Northeast! Better connectivity will boost tourism and create so many jobs. The scenic beauty of Meghalaya deserves better infrastructure. Hope they maintain environmental balance while building this corridor 🌿
R
Rahul S.
Rs 22,864 crore is a huge investment! While the project sounds promising, I hope the funds are utilized properly without corruption. The Northeast has been neglected for too long - this could be a gamechanger if implemented well.
A
Ananya M.
As someone from Assam, I'm excited but also concerned about land acquisition issues. Hope the local communities are properly compensated. The reduced travel time between Shillong and Silchar will be a blessing though! 🙏
V
Vikram J.
Finally some focus on infrastructure in the Northeast! This will help integrate the region better with mainland India. The employment generation numbers look impressive - 137 lakh man-days is no small thing. Jai Hind!
S
Sunita R.
While the project is good, I hope they don't destroy the natural beauty of Meghalaya. We've seen how unchecked development has ruined other hill stations. Need strict environmental safeguards! #SustainableDevelopment
A
Arjun P.
Great initiative! Better roads will help local industries flourish and improve security in border areas too. The Northeast has so much potential - just needs proper connectivity. Hope they complete it on time unlike many other projects.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50