Shillong: The Centre and the Meghalaya government on Saturday laid the foundation for the Rs. 300-crore Integrated Development of the Sohra Tourism Circuit, a flagship initiative under the PM-DevINE scheme aimed at boosting tourism infrastructure and sustainable livelihoods in one of Meghalaya’s most iconic destinations.
Funded by the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER), the project seeks to transform Sohra into a model of community-led, eco-friendly tourism.
It will cover the development of major attractions such as Nohkalikai Falls, Mawsmai Eco Park, Arwah and Mawsmai Caves, Nohsngithiang Falls, Wah Kaba Falls, Shella Riverside, and Wah Kaliar Canyon viewpoint.
Union Minister for DoNER Jyotiraditya M. Scindia and Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma jointly laid the foundation at Kutmadan, Sohra, in the presence of Tourism Minister Timothy D. Shira, Sports Minister Wailadmiki Shylla, and Arts and Culture Minister Sanbor Shullai.
Speaking at the ceremony, Scindia said the Sohra project embodies Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision to make the Northeast a key pillar of India’s growth.
He said the PM-DevINE scheme was launched to ensure that the pace of development reaches every corner of the country, adding, “Today’s foundation laying in Sohra is not just about building infrastructure; it is about building futures.”
The Union Minister highlighted that the central government’s budgetary allocation for the Northeast has nearly tripled since 2014, from Rs. 36,000 crore to over Rs. 1 lakh crore.
He also cited major ongoing investments in connectivity, including the Rs. 22,680-crore Shillong–Silchar Greenfield Expressway, which will pass close to Sohra.
“These world-class projects will give Sohra a new identity — not just as a tourist destination but as a benchmark for responsible tourism across the country,” Scindia said.
He praised Meghalaya’s community-based tourism model and added, “Nowhere else in the world do nature, culture, and community coexist in such harmony as they do here in Meghalaya.”
Sangma called the initiative a “historic and transformative” moment for the state, expressing gratitude to Prime Minister Modi and Minister Scindia for their vision.
“This project is not just about developing one destination; it’s about realizing a vision to build world-class, sustainable tourist hubs across the country,” he said.
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Sangma said the Sohra Tourism Circuit — the first of its kind under the PM-DevINE vision — will serve as a national model for sustainable development.
He added that the state government is also working on enhancing air and helicopter connectivity to improve accessibility between Shillong, Sohra, and other key destinations.
Tourism Minister Timothy D. Shira said the Sohra Tourism Circuit aims to blend nature, culture, and innovation, while generating local employment and strengthening the economy.
Chief Secretary Dr. Shakil Ahammed, who delivered the welcome address, said Meghalaya now receives over 16 lakh tourists annually and must focus on extending visitor stays through responsible and clean tourism practices.
The event marks a significant step toward making Meghalaya a leading example of sustainable tourism in India’s Northeast.
