Shillong-Silchar Highway Likely to Be Approved, Transforming Travel in Northeast India
The construction of a 160-kilometre greenfield highway connecting Shillong and Silchar is set to receive approval from the Indian Cabinet, with an estimated cost of Rs 25,000 crore. This project, part of the broader Bharatmala programme initiated by the Ministry of Highways, is expected to revolutionise travel in the region, cutting down the travel time between these two cities to just four hours. Currently, the journey takes much longer due to the poor condition of the existing roads.
The four-lane highway will be a much-needed alternative to the dilapidated NH-6, particularly the stretch in Meghalaya’s East Jaintia Hills, which is prone to frequent landslides and disruptions during the monsoon. With these new roadways, travellers will benefit from smoother and safer journeys across Assam, Mizoram, Manipur, and Tripura, easing the daily commute for residents and boosting inter-state connectivity. Notably, the project is designed with the vision of significantly improving defence mobility in the region. A faster, more reliable route will enable the Indian armed forces to move swiftly through the Northeast, a strategically important area. The project is thus expected to have far-reaching implications not just for civilian travel, but also for national security and emergency response capabilities. Officials believe the new highway will spur economic growth across the region by improving logistics and trade. The project is anticipated to enhance the movement of goods, reducing transportation time and costs. It will also make it easier for businesses to operate across these Northeastern states, unlocking economic opportunities that were previously hindered by poor infrastructure.
Assam’s Chief Minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma, has expressed great optimism regarding the project, stating that the new highway will allow for a day trip between Guwahati and Silchar, making it possible to travel to Silchar in the morning and return in the evening. This level of connectivity would be transformative for businesses and tourism in the region, facilitating better access to vital services and resources. Construction of this highway has been planned carefully to overcome technical challenges faced by the existing NH-6 route. The new alignment will bypass difficult terrain and provide a modern, efficient road network capable of handling the region’s growing transportation needs. The greenfield project will offer a seamless travel experience and better connectivity for both freight and passengers.
The approval of this highway is expected to set in motion a series of infrastructural upgrades in the region, with more projects likely to follow suit. The government’s focus on improving infrastructure under the Bharatmala programme is a clear indication of its commitment to boosting economic development and addressing regional disparities. The Shillong-Silchar highway project is expected to create thousands of jobs, both directly and indirectly, during its construction and subsequent operational phases. Local economies in Meghalaya and Assam stand to benefit greatly from the influx of investment, making this project a key catalyst for socio-economic transformation in the Northeast. The approval of the Shillong-Silchar highway project marks a significant step towards improving connectivity in one of India’s most underserved regions. The Rs 25,000 crore investment will not only improve travel times and reduce congestion but also enhance security, spur economic growth, and improve quality of life for millions of people. The Centre’s commitment to the development of the Northeast will be crucial in fostering long-term growth and regional stability.
