Shillong-Silchar highway gets nod: Beyond NE connectivity, Rs 22,864 cr corridor poised to boost growth

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The Union Cabinet Wednesday approved a Rs 22,864 crore greenfield high-speed corridor linking Shillong in Meghalaya to Silchar in Assam. The 166.8 km project is set to transform connectivity and logistics across the region, with far-reaching benefits for trade, tourism and industry.

According to an official statement, the project length of 166.80 km (NH-6) lies in Meghalaya (144.80 km) and Assam (22 km). The new four-lane access-controlled highway will originate from Mawlyngkhung near Shillong and terminate at Panchgram near Silchar.

Of the total stretch will cut across key districts such as Ri Bhoi, East Khasi Hills, West Jaintia Hills, East Jaintia Hills and Cachar. The project will be executed under the Hybrid Annuity Mode (HAM), where the government funds 40% of the construction cost and the private developer covers the rest, receiving fixed annuity payments for 15 years.

The corridor’s alignment will integrate with major transport arteries, including NH-27, NH-106, NH-206, and NH-37, ensuring seamless movement to and from Guwahati, Shillong, Silchar, and several other towns. This strategic connectivity is expected to enhance access to airports in Guwahati, Shillong, and Silchar, facilitating both domestic and international tourism.

Beyond connectivity, the project is poised to drive economic development, particularly in Meghalaya’s cement and coal-producing belts. The improved infrastructure is expected to attract investment, boost industrial growth, and create substantial employment opportunities-official estimates suggest the project will generate 74 lakh direct and 93 lakh indirect man-days of work.

Announcing the Cabinet’s decision to the media, Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw highlighted the corridor’s role in reducing travel time and easing congestion on the existing NH-06. “The development of this corridor will improve the connectivity to Tripura, Mizoram, Manipur and the Barak Valley region of Assam from the mainland and Guwahati, with substantially reduced distance and travel time,” Vaishnaw stated.

Tourism is also set for a boost, as the corridor will open up easier access to the Northeast’s scenic destinations, strengthening the region’s appeal for travellers. The government’s official statement underscored that the new route would “bolster tourism and promote regional cultural exchange”.

The Shillong-Silchar corridor is a key component of the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, which aims to modernise India’s transport infrastructure and enhance logistics efficiency nationwide. Once operational, the highway will not only link major cities like Guwahati, Shillong, and Silchar, but also provide improved road access to neighbouring states such as Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura.

With completion targeted within three years, the project is expected to be a game-changer for the Northeast, driving socio-economic progress and furthering the government’s vision of an “Atmanirbhar Bharat”.