Green Light for Growth: Cabinet Greenlights Rs 22,864 Cr Shillong-Silchar Highway

The Union Cabinet has approved a 166.8 km greenfield expressway from Mawlyngkhung (Meghalaya) to Panchgram (Assam) under the Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM) for ₹22,864 crore. The four-lane project will cut travel time from Shillong to Silchar from 8.5 hours to 5 hours, and the distance between Guwahati and Silchar decreases by 25% to 245 km.

 

The major highlights:

 

Strategic route: Links Tripura, Mizoram, Manipur, and Assam's Barak Valley to mainland India, enhancing defence logistics.

 

Economic boost: Passes through Meghalaya’s cement and coal hubs, spurring industrial growth.

 

Tourism push: Connects Guwahati, Shillong, and Silchar airports to scenic Northeast destinations.

 

The corridor will feature 34 viaducts, 19 major bridges, and 153 minor bridges, decongesting NH-6 and aligning with PM Gati Shakti’s vision.

 

Sources: ET, Hindustan Times, Business Today