Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Apr 30: In a significant boost to infrastructure in the Northeast, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Wednesday approved the development, maintenance, and management of a 4-lane greenfield access-controlled 166.80 km National Highway. This high-speed corridor will connect Mawlyngkhung (near Shillong) in Meghalaya to Panchgram (near Silchar) in Assam under the hybrid annuity mode, with a total capital outlay of Rs 22,864 crore.
Spanning 166.80 km, the project will see 144.80 km of the highway developed in Meghalaya, with the remaining 22 km falling within Assam.
This proposed greenfield high-speed corridor is poised to significantly improve the service level for traffic traveling between Guwahati and Silchar. The development of this corridor will enhance connectivity to Tripura, Mizoram, Manipur, and the Barak Valley region of Assam from the mainland and Guwahati, resulting in a substantial reduction in travel distance and time. This, in turn, will contribute to improved national logistics efficiency, according to an official statement released after the CCEA meeting.
The corridor is also expected to boost connectivity between Assam and Meghalaya, spurring economic development, particularly in Meghalaya's cement and coal production areas. Furthermore, it will cater to both national and international tourists arriving via the well-connected Guwahati Airport, Shillong Airport, and Silchar Airport (through existing NH-06), linking Guwahati to Silchar. This enhanced connectivity will promote tourism in the scenic locations of the Northeast, the statement highlighted.
This crucial infrastructure project will also improve inter-city connectivity between Guwahati, Shillong, and Silchar, traversing through Ri Bhoi, East Khasi Hills, West Jaintia Hills, and East Jaintia Hills districts in Meghalaya, and the Cachar district in Assam. It aims to reduce congestion on the existing NH-06 and enhance transport infrastructure development in line with the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan.
The project alignment seamlessly integrates with major transport corridors, including NH-27, NH-106, NH-206, and NH-37, providing smooth connectivity to key locations such as Guwahati, Shillong, Silchar, Diengpasoh, Ummulong, Phramer, Khlieriat, Ratachera, Umkiang, and Kalain, the statement further elaborated.
Upon its completion, the Shillong - Silchar Corridor is projected to play a pivotal role in regional economic growth, improving connectivity between Guwahati, Shillong, Silchar, Imphal, Aizawl, and Agartala. The project aligns with the government’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India), enhancing infrastructure while generating employment and fostering socio-economic development in Meghalaya, Assam, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura, the statement concluded.