New Delhi: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved a Rs. 22,864 crore project for the construction of a 166.80-kilometre greenfield, access-controlled highway connecting Shillong in Meghalaya to Silchar in Assam.
The project will be implemented under the hybrid annuity model and will feature a four-lane, high-speed corridor designed to improve connectivity and logistics efficiency across the region.
Of the total highway length, 144.80 km will run through Meghalaya, with the remaining 22 km located in Assam.
The proposed corridor, originating from Mawlyngkhung near Shillong and terminating at Panchgram near Silchar, is expected to significantly reduce travel time and distance for traffic moving between Guwahati and Silchar.
The new alignment is set to boost connectivity to key northeastern states including Tripura, Mizoram, and Manipur, as well as the Barak Valley region of Assam.
According to an official statement released after the Cabinet meeting, the highway will serve as a catalyst for economic development in Meghalaya, particularly in regions rich in cement and coal production.
It is also poised to strengthen inter-state transport links and tourism by improving access to major regional airports—Guwahati, Shillong, and Silchar—and scenic destinations in the Northeast.
The high-speed corridor will traverse key districts including Ri Bhoi, East Khasi Hills, West Jaintia Hills, and East Jaintia Hills in Meghalaya, along with Cachar district in Assam.
Once completed, it is expected to ease traffic congestion on the existing NH-06 and enhance inter-city connectivity among Guwahati, Shillong, and Silchar.
The route will be integrated with other major national highways, including NH-27, NH-106, NH-206, and NH-37, creating seamless links to cities and towns such as Diengpasoh, Ummulong, Phramer, Khliehriat, Ratachera, Umkiang, and Kalain.
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The project forms a key component of the government’s PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan and aligns with the vision of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’.
It is expected to generate substantial employment opportunities and drive socio-economic development across the northeastern states of Meghalaya, Assam, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura.
