Meghalaya's Megaproject: A New Highway to Prosperity

The Meghalaya government has initiated the land acquisition process for the ambitious ₹22,864 crore Shillong–Silchar high-speed corridor, a transformative infrastructure project aimed at boosting regional connectivity, trade, and economic development.

The proposed 166.80-km greenfield four-lane highway will begin at Umiam Lake near Shillong and conclude at Panchgram near Silchar in Assam. Of the total stretch, 144.80 km will fall within Meghalaya and 22 km in Assam. The National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (NHIDCL) will implement the project, which will primarily pass through Meghalaya’s Ri-Bhoi district.

As part of the acquisition process, Ri-Bhoi Deputy Commissioner Abhilash Baranwal has issued a formal notification instructing residents to refrain from undertaking any new construction or development within the earmarked project area without prior approval. The notice also clarifies that any structures built post-notification will not be eligible for compensation.

Seventeen villages—including Pyllun, Umeit, Umroi Labansaro, Nongrah, Nonglakhia, Wahmyntait, and Lumsohphoh—have been identified for land acquisition. Once completed, the corridor is expected to drastically reduce travel time between Shillong and Silchar, while catalyzing tourism, cross-border trade, and economic integration between Meghalaya and Assam.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.