Shillong: The Meghalaya government has formally launched the land acquisition process for the proposed Rs. 22,864-crore high-speed corridor that will connect Umiam near Shillong to Silchar in Assam, officials confirmed on Tuesday.
The ambitious 166.8-kilometre greenfield highway project, to be executed by the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), is expected to significantly enhance regional connectivity and spur economic growth.
The four-lane expressway will traverse through Meghalaya’s Ri-Bhoi district, covering 144.8 km of the total stretch, while the remaining 22 km will lie in Assam.
The corridor will begin at Mawlyngkhung and end at Panchgram, near Silchar.
In a recent notification, Ri-Bhoi Deputy Commissioner Abhilash Baranwal cautioned residents against initiating any new construction or development within the proposed corridor’s designated area without prior approval.
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“It is clearly stated that any unauthorised structures—temporary or permanent—built after the issuance of this notice will not be eligible for compensation during land acquisition or project execution,” the notice said.
Authorities have identified 17 villages for land acquisition, including Pyllun, Umeit, Umroi Labansaro, Nongrah, Nonglakhia, Wahmyntait, and Lumsohphoh.
The project, once completed, is expected to improve transportation efficiency, reduce travel time between the two states, and support the overall development of the northeastern region.
