The Union Cabinet has given the green light to the development of a high-speed corridor highway between Shillong and Silchar at a cost of Rs 22,864 crore. This project, announced by Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Ashwini Vaishnaw, is set to significantly improve road connectivity in the Northeast region and boost regional economic development.
The 166.80 km, 4-lane greenfield access-controlled highway will stretch from Mawlyngkhung near Shillong in Meghalaya to Panchgram near Silchar in Assam. The majority of the highway, 144.80 km, falls in Meghalaya while 22.00 km is in Assam. The high-speed corridor, part of National Highway-06, aims to ease traffic flow between Guwahati and Silchar and enhance connectivity to Tripura, Mizoram, Manipur, and the Barak Valley.
This project is expected to reduce travel distance and time, improving the overall logistics network and infrastructure in the region. It will also support economic development in Meghalaya by boosting local industries such as cement and coal production. Additionally, the corridor is set to benefit the tourism sector by connecting key destinations in the Northeast via airports in Guwahati, Shillong, and Silchar.
Traversing key districts in Meghalaya and Assam, including Ri-Bhoi, East Khasi Hills, West Jaintia Hills, East Jaintia Hills, and Cachar, the corridor will help decongest the existing NH-06, which currently experiences heavy traffic between major urban centres. The highway alignment will integrate with national transport corridors like NH-27, NH-106, NH-206, and NH-37, ensuring seamless connectivity to cities such as Guwahati, Shillong, Silchar, Diengpasoh, Ummulong, Khliehriat, Ratachera, and Kalain.
Once completed, the Shillong–Silchar high-speed corridor is expected to play a crucial role in boosting regional growth, inter-city mobility, and trade. Aligned with the government’s PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan and vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat, this project promises to generate employment opportunities and uplift the socio-economic status of Meghalaya, Assam, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura.
