Rs 22,864 Crore Greenfield Shillong–Silchar Highway In Northeast Likely To Be Completed By FY30; Set To Halve Travel Time To Four Hours

The 168 km Shillong–Silchar highway project is expected to be completed by the financial year 2029–30, significantly enhancing connectivity in the Northeast.

The greenfield corridor, designed as a four-lane highway with paved shoulders configuration, will cut travel time between Shillong and Silchar from 8 hours to around 4 hours—a 50 per cent reduction.

The route spans five districts in Meghalaya—Ri-Bhoi, East Khasi Hills, West Jaintia Hills, East Jaintia Hills—and Cachar in Assam.

Key infrastructure components on the project include 18 major bridges, 150 minor bridges, 38 viaducts, 320 box culverts, and 57 overpasses/underpasses.

Estimated at Rs 22,864 crore (including civil cost of Rs 12,087 crore), the project's land acquisition process is progressing, with notification for appointment of CALA (Competent Authority for Land Acquisition) issued.

In a written reply to a question on the Shillong-Silchar Highway Project in the Rajya Sabha, Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari said, "The total cost of the project is estimated at ₹22,864 crore (including civil cost of ₹12,087 crore), with the expected timeline for completion set for the Financial Year 2029–30".

"Regarding land acquisition, the notification under Section 3(a) of the National Highways Act, 1956 (i.e.,appointment of CALA (Competent Authority for Land Acquisition) has been published," he said.

The minister added that the National Institute of Rock Mechanics (NIRM), Bangalore has been consulted for advising on project features specifically slope protection/stabilisation measures as the hilly terrain poses significant challenges due to fragile geology.

Once operational, the corridor will enhance access to Mizoram, Manipur, and Tripura through Silchar, which serves as a key gateway to these Northeastern states.

The construction phase of the project is also projected to create 8.9 million person-days of employment, across direct and indirect roles.

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