In a move that promises to turbocharge connectivity in the Northeast, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has greenlit a whopping ₹22,864 crore for a new 166.80 km Greenfield High-Speed Corridor connecting Mawlyngkhung near Shillong in Meghalaya to Panchgram near Silchar in Assam. The project will be executed under the Hybrid Annuity Mode (HAM), which – contrary to popular belief – is not a yoga pose, but a public-private partnership model.
Stretching like a well-funded ribbon through the misty hills of Meghalaya (144.8 km) and the lush plains of Assam (22 km), this 4-lane access-controlled highway aims to dramatically shrink travel times, bridge economic gaps, and perhaps, finally help tourists pronounce “Jaintia” correctly.
What’s in it for the region?
Plenty. The high-speed corridor will improve freight and passenger movement between Guwahati and Silchar, while also boosting connectivity to the more tucked-away northeastern jewels – Tripura, Mizoram, Manipur, and the Barak Valley. Think of it as a tarmac shortcut to economic rejuvenation – with better logistics, smoother travel, and far fewer pothole prayers.
Tourism, too, is expected to take the fast lane. With the corridor linking scenic and sacred destinations via airports at Guwahati, Shillong, and Silchar, expect more selfies from misty valleys and fewer complaints about backaches from winding, underdeveloped roads.
Industry on the move
The route cleverly weaves through Meghalaya’s coal and cement belts – meaning more trucks hauling more material, more jobs, and possibly, more arguments over who gets right of way. But with a design aligned to PM Gati Shakti’s master plan, it’s all set to support seamless integration with NH-27, NH-106, NH-206 and NH-37.
In short, this isn’t just a road. It’s a 166.80 km long statement – of intent, infrastructure, and inter-state impact.
So whether you’re a cement tycoon in Jaintia, a tourist headed for Cherrapunji, or just someone trying to avoid another six-hour slog on NH-06, the message is clear: the Northeast is getting a serious speed upgrade – and this time, it’s coming with ₹22,864 crore worth of muscle.
| Feature | Details |
| Project Name | Development, Maintenance and Management of 166.80 km of National Highway No. 06 from Mawlyngkhung (near Shillong) in Meghalaya to Panchgram (near Silchar) in Assam on Hybrid Annuity Mode |
| Corridor | Shillong – Silchar (NH-06) |
| Length (km) | 166.8 Km |
| Total Civil Cost | Rs. 12,087 crore |
| Land Acquisition Cost | Rs. 3,503 crore |
| Total Capital Cost | Rs. 22,864 crore |
| Mode | Hybrid Annuity Mode (HAM) |
| Major Roads Connected | NH-27, NH-106, NH-206, NH-37, SH-07, SH-08, SH-09, SH-38 |
| Economic / Social / Transport Nodes Connected | Airports: Guwahati Airport, Shillong Airport, Silchar Airport |
| Major Cities / Towns Connected | Guwahati, Shillong, Silchar, Diengpasoh, Ummulong, Phramer, Khlieriat, Ratachera, Umkiang, Kalain. |
| Employment Generation Potential | 74 lakh man-days (direct) & 93 lakh man-days (indirect) |
| Annual Average Daily Traffic (AADT) in FY-25 | Estimated at 19,000-20,000 Passenger Car Units (PCU) |
