Synopsis
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has greenlit a major highway project from Shillong to Silchar costing Rs 22,864 crore. This 4-lane corridor promises enhanced connectivity and economic growth for the Northeast, connecting key states and significantly reducing travel time. Discover the potential impact of this infrastructure initiative.Key Takeaways
- 4-lane greenfield corridor from Shillong to Silchar.
- Capital cost of Rs 22,864 crore.
- Improved connectivity for Tripura, Mizoram, and Manipur.
- Boost to tourism and local economies.
- Alleviation of congestion on existing roads.
New Delhi, April 30 (NationPress) The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has recently sanctioned the initiative for the establishment, upkeep, and administration of a 4-lane greenfield access-controlled 166.80 km National Highway from Mawlyngkhung (near Shillong) in Meghalaya to Panchgram (near Silchar) in Assam, utilizing a hybrid annuity model for a high-speed corridor at an overall capital expenditure of Rs. 22,864 crore.
Out of the total length of 166.80 km, approximately 144.80 km is situated in Meghalaya, while the remaining 22 km stretches across Assam.
This proposed greenfield high-speed corridor aims to enhance the service quality for traffic traveling from Guwahati to Silchar. The development of this corridor will significantly improve connectivity to Tripura, Mizoram, Manipur, and the Barak Valley region of Assam from Guwahati, effectively reducing both travel distance and time. This will consequently boost the logistics efficiency across the nation, as per an official statement released post the CCEA meeting.
The corridor is set to enhance the connectivity between Assam and Meghalaya, fostering economic growth, including the advancement of industries in Meghalaya, as it intersects key cement and coal production zones. Additionally, this corridor will serve national and international tourists arriving from well-connected airports such as Guwahati, Shillong, and Silchar (via existing NH-06), linking scenic tourist destinations in the northeast and promoting tourism, the statement indicated.
This vital infrastructure project will also enhance inter-city connectivity among Guwahati, Shillong, and Silchar, traversing through Ri Bhoi, East Khasi Hills, West Jaintia Hills, East Jaintia Hills in Meghalaya, and Cachar district in Assam, alleviating congestion on the current NH-06 and advancing transport infrastructure development in accordance with the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan.
The project alignment integrates with key transport corridors, including NH-27, NH-106, NH-206, and NH-37, ensuring seamless connectivity to Guwahati, Shillong, Silchar, Diengpasoh, Ummulong, Phramer, Khlieriat, Ratachera, Umkiang, and Kalain, as stated.
Upon its completion, the Shillong - Silchar Corridor will be instrumental in regional economic advancement, enhancing connectivity between Guwahati, Shillong, Silchar, Imphal, Aizawl, and Agartala. This project aligns with the government’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat, bolstering infrastructure while creating jobs and promoting socio-economic development in Meghalaya, Assam, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura, as reiterated in the statement.
