Cabinet clears Rs 22,864 cr Shillong–Silchar Greenfield Corridor; Amit Shah calls it ‘milestone for Northeast’
New Delhi, Apr 30: The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved a Rs₹22,864 crore greenfield high-speed corridor project linking Mawlyngkhung near Shillong in Meghalaya to Panchgram near Silchar in Assam, as a transformative step for Northeast infrastructure and connectivity. The 166.8-kilometre, four-lane, access-controlled highway will be built under the Hybrid Annuity Mode (HAM). Union Home Minister Amit Shah lauded the decision, saying the development of the Northeast has always been a top priority of the Narendra Modi government. “Congratulations to our sisters and brothers of the Northeast on the approval of the 4-lane Greenfield National Highway from Mawlyngkhung in Meghalaya to Panchgram in Assam,” he posted on X (formerly Twitter), calling the project a significant milestone.
The project, cleared by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, aims to drastically improve road connectivity across key parts of the Northeast. Of the 166.8 km corridor, 144.8 km lie in Meghalaya and 22 km in Assam.
Designed as an access-controlled expressway, the corridor is expected to catalyse regional economic growth by improving connectivity between the key urban centres of Guwahati, Shillong, and Silchar. In addition to reducing travel time, the project will help decongest the existing NH-06 and support the movement of goods and services across state boundaries more efficiently. The route passes through cement and coal-rich districts of Meghalaya, including Ri Bhoi, East Khasi Hills, West Jaintia Hills, and East Jaintia Hills, before entering Cachar district in Assam. Improved transport links are expected to spur industrial investment, facilitate smoother trade, and boost local economies.
The corridor also integrates with key transport arteries such as NH-27, NH-106, NH-206, and NH-37, providing connections to several important towns.
Officials say the high-speed corridor will serve national and international tourists flying in through Guwahati, Shillong, and Silchar airports. The new road will improve access to the scenic landscapes of the Khasi and Jaintia Hills and the Barak Valley, promoting Meghalaya and Assam as year-round tourist destinations.
The corridor is projected to generate substantial employment during construction and maintenance phases and provide a long-term boost to livelihoods in Meghalaya, Assam, Mizoram, Tripura, and Manipur. Over the past few years, the Modi government has launched many big-ticket infrastructure projects in the region to counterbalance its historical neglect and gain political goodwill.
The Northeast is often cited as a linchpin in India’s Act East policy, given its proximity to Southeast Asian neighbours. Enhanced connectivity between Silchar and Shillong, and eventually to Imphal and Aizawl, also holds strategic value from a border The decision marks a major milestone in the Centre’s ongoing efforts to bridge the infrastructure gap between the Northeast and the rest of India. For residents, traders, and tourists alike, the Shillong–Silchar high-speed corridor represents both a literal and symbolic path toward integration and prosperity.
