Government Set to Approve ₹25,000 Crore Shillong-Silchar Greenfield Highway Project
The Union government is likely to approve a monumental ₹25,000 crore project today to construct a high-speed, 160 km greenfield highway between Shillong and Silchar. The new corridor, which promises to cut down travel time between the two cities to just four hours, is poised to be a game-changer for connectivity in the region.
Originally conceived under the Bharatmala programme in 2017, the Shillong-Silchar highway project is one of the largest infrastructure undertakings to be approved in the Northeast. The four-lane road will not only provide enhanced connectivity between Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Tripura, and Manipur but also serve as a vital route for swift movement of defence forces across the region, especially in strategic areas. At present, the existing NH-6 route between Shillong and Silchar is plagued by severe deterioration, particularly in the East Jaintia Hills of Meghalaya, where roads are often rendered impassable due to landslides during the monsoon. The new alignment is seen as the most viable solution, offering long-term durability and solving recurring connectivity issues. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, in his statements, had highlighted that the project would not only reduce travel time but also allow travellers to make the trip between Guwahati and Silchar within a single day.
While the existing highway has been crucial, its deteriorating condition has left travellers with little choice but to face long delays, especially during adverse weather conditions. The proposed high-speed corridor will alleviate these issues, making it easier and quicker to travel across the Northeast. One of the major benefits of the new Shillong-Silchar highway will be its ability to boost economic activity in the region. As the highway will facilitate the faster and smoother movement of both passengers and freight, it will help enhance trade and services between the four northeastern states. The reduced travel time will encourage more commercial exchanges and also contribute to the overall economic development of the region. In addition, the greenfield highway is expected to have a significant impact on tourism, with travellers now able to enjoy easier access to the scenic landscapes of the Northeast. The quicker connectivity will also enhance access to several defence establishments, further strengthening national security in the region.
The project will serve as a strategic link, enabling faster mobilisation of the defence forces if needed, a crucial aspect for the security of the region, given the proximity to international borders. Furthermore, the improved highway will contribute to making the Northeast more accessible, fostering growth in sectors like agriculture, tourism, and industry. The approval of this project marks a major milestone in India’s ongoing efforts to develop robust infrastructure in the Northeast. As construction begins, the region can expect to see enhanced connectivity, better economic opportunities, and smoother travel for residents and visitors alike. The proposed Shillong-Silchar highway is not just an infrastructural endeavour; it represents a vision for a more connected, economically vibrant, and secure Northeast. With the cabinet likely to approve the project today, the transformative effects of this project will be felt for years to come.
