The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the Shillong–Silchar Greenfield Corridor under the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan.
- Project involves construction of a 80 km 4-lane access-controlled Greenfield Highway from Mawlyngkhung (Shillong, Meghalaya) to Panchgram (Silchar, Assam).
- Implemented under Hybrid Annuity Mode (HAM) with a capital outlay of ₹22,864 crore.
Project Specifications
- Name: Development of Shillong–Silchar Greenfield Corridor (NH-06)
- Total Length: 166.80 km
- Meghalaya: 144.80 km
- Assam: 22.00 km
- Capital Cost: ₹22,864 crore
- Civil Construction: ₹12,087 crore
- Land Acquisition: ₹3,503 crore
- Mode: Hybrid Annuity Mode (HAM)
- Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH)
Geographical Coverage
- States: Meghalaya and Assam
- Districts Covered:
- Meghalaya: Ri Bhoi, East Khasi Hills, West Jaintia Hills, East Jaintia Hills
- Assam: Cachar
- Towns/Cities: Shillong, Silchar, Guwahati, Diengpasoh, Ummulong, Khlieriat, Umkiang, Kalain
Connectivity Enhancements
- Connected Highways:
- NH-06 (existing corridor being decongested)
- NH-27, NH-106, NH-206, NH-37
- Airports Nearby:
- Guwahati (Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport)
- Shillong Airport
- Silchar Airport
Strategic & Economic Significance
- Boosts regional integration between Northeast states: Tripura, Mizoram, Manipur, and Barak Valley.
- Supports PM Gati Shakti for multi-modal connectivity and Atmanirbhar Bharat
- Promotes border area development and national security through better movement of defense logistics.
- Enhances trade via improved access to cement, coal, and agri-produce hubs in Meghalaya and Assam.
Impact on Travel & Logistics
- Reduces travel time between Shillong and Silchar from 8–10 hours to 4–5 hours.
- Facilitates smoother cargo movement across NH-06.
- Provides an alternative route to flood-prone stretches and landslide-prone zones.
- Decongests existing NH-06, improving safety and traffic flow.
Employment & Economic Opportunities
- Estimated Employment Generation:
- Direct: 74 lakh man-days
- Indirect: 93 lakh man-days
- Boosts local construction ecosystem, including contractors, suppliers, and transporters.
Alignment with National Plans
- Part of Bharatmala Pariyojana Phase I.
- Aligned with:
- National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP)
- PM Gati Shakti Digital Platform
- North East Special Infrastructure Development Scheme (NESIDS)
- Act East Policy for regional and international connectivity with Southeast Asia.
Challenges & Considerations
- Difficult hilly terrain and ecological sensitivity in Meghalaya.
- Need for careful environmental clearances and local stakeholder engagement.
- Addressing land acquisition delays and ensuring tribal land rights protection.
The Shillong–Silchar Greenfield Corridor is a transformational infrastructure initiative for the Northeast. It symbolizes the Centre’s commitment to inclusive regional development, infrastructure-led growth, and strategic connectivity. Once completed, the corridor will serve as a lifeline for the Northeast, facilitating economic integration and national unity.
