Cabinet Approves Rs 22,864 Crore Shillong-Silchar Greenfield High-Speed Corridor, Four-Lane Highway To Boost Assam-Meghalaya Connectivity

In a significant boost to connectivity and economic development in Northeast India, a 166.80 km greenfield high-speed corridor was approved to link Mawlyngkhung near Shillong in Meghalaya to Panchgram near Silchar in Assam. 

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved the development of the high along National Highway 6 (NH 6) on Wednesday (30 April).

According to the Press Information Bureau (PIB), the project will be executed under the Hybrid Annuity Mode (HAM) at a total capital cost of Rs 22,864 crore.

Key Features of the Project

Length and Alignment: The corridor will span 166.80 km, with 144.80 km in Meghalaya and 22 km in Assam.

Design: The project will be a four-lane, access-controlled greenfield highway aimed at high-speed travel.

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, in a press brief, mentioned that the new corridor will significantly improve the movement of traffic between Guwahati and Silchar, and enhance connectivity to Tripura, Mizoram, Manipur, and the Barak Valley region of Assam.

It will also facilitate access to major airports in Guwahati, Shillong, and Silchar, and connect key cities and towns including Diengpasoh, Ummulong, Phramer, Khlieriat, Ratachera, Umkiang, and Kalai.

“The project alignment integrates with major transport corridors, including NH-27, NH-106, NH-206 and NH-37 providing seamless connectivity to Guwahati, Shillong, Silchar, Diengpasoh, Ummulong, Phramer, Khlieriat, Ratachera, Umkiang, Kalain,” the press brief said.

The Shillong-Silchar high-speed corridor is part of a broader set of eight national high-speed road corridor projects approved by the CCEA, totalling 936 km and an investment of Rs 50,655 crore across India.

According to a Financial Express report, the new route crosses through key industrial zones in Meghalaya, particularly cement and coal-producing districts, and is projected to boost regional industrial and economic development.  Furthermore, its proximity to Guwahati, Shillong, and Silchar airports serves as a gateway for both domestic and foreign tourism.