Guwahati: The Union Cabinet has greenlit a transformative infrastructure project that promises to revolutionize road connectivity between Meghalaya and Assam.
A high-speed corridor highway linking Shillong and Silchar has received the official nod, with an estimated investment of ₹22,864 crore, announced Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw earlier today.
This ambitious undertaking is poised to significantly enhance logistics, spur economic growth, and improve inter-state travel within the Northeast region.
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the development, maintenance, and management of this 166.80 km, 4-lane greenfield access-controlled highway.
The project will be executed under the Hybrid Annuity Mode, with the majority of the stretch, 144.80 km, falling within Meghalaya and the remaining 22.00 km in Assam, connecting Mawlyngkhung near Shillong to Panchgram near Silchar.
This new corridor, an integral part of National Highway-06, is strategically designed to ease traffic congestion on the existing NH-06 between Guwahati and Silchar. Furthermore, it aims to bolster connectivity to the neighboring states of Tripura, Mizoram, Manipur, and the Barak Valley.
The anticipated reduction in travel distance and time will be a significant boost to the region’s overall logistics network and infrastructure efficiency.
Beyond improved connectivity, the high-speed corridor is expected to be a catalyst for economic development, particularly in Meghalaya.
Local industries, especially those in the cement and coal production zones, are poised to benefit from enhanced transportation infrastructure.
The tourism sector is also expected to receive a significant boost by providing seamless connectivity between key destinations in the Northeast via the Guwahati, Shillong, and Silchar airports.
The alignment of the high-speed corridor will traverse several key districts, including Ri-Bhoi, East Khasi Hills, West Jaintia Hills, and East Jaintia Hills in Meghalaya, and the Cachar district in Assam.
This development will also play a crucial role in decongesting the currently heavily trafficked NH-06, which serves as a vital link between major urban centers in the region.
The highway’s design incorporates seamless integration with major national transport corridors such as NH-27, NH-106, NH-206, and NH-37.
This strategic alignment will ensure efficient connectivity to important cities like Guwahati, Shillong, Silchar, Diengpasoh, Ummulong, Khliehriat, Ratachera, and Kalain.
Upon completion, the Shillong–Silchar high-speed corridor is projected to be a cornerstone for regional growth, enhanced inter-city mobility, and increased trade activities.
This landmark project aligns with the government’s PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan and the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat, promising to generate employment opportunities and foster socio-economic upliftment across Meghalaya, Assam, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura.
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