Jyotiraditya Scindia, the Union Minister for the Development of the North Eastern Region (DoNER), told reporters in Shillong on Saturday that the last decade has turned the “land‑locked” Northeast into a “land‑linked powerhouse” under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership.
He said the federal budget has poured more than Rs 6.2 lakh crore into the region through a 10 per cent gross support policy. The money has been used to build road links, power lines, digital infrastructure and tourism projects that lift connectivity, create jobs and help people earn a living.
During the ceremony, Scindia laid the foundation stone for the Integrated Sohra Circuit Development, an ambitious tourism project under the PM‑DevINE scheme. He also launched DoNER projects worth over Rs 300 crore in front of Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma.
Meghalaya’s rapid growth
Meghalaya, a top beneficiary of the new focus, has seen 12‑16 per cent growth since the pandemic. The state’s economy has benefited from targeted spending on infrastructure, better air links and upgraded tourism facilities.
Scindia highlighted landmark projects such as the 166.8‑km Shillong‑Silchar Greenfield Expressway, costing Rs 22,864 crore, and the expansion of Umroi Airport, which now accommodates larger aircraft and has seen a jump in annual flight operations.
He added that the new Shillong City project will become a “smart‑green township” and a knowledge hub for the Northeast, offering modern services while preserving the region’s heritage.
The Sohra Circuit – a tourism boost
The Sohra Circuit, a joint venture of DoNER and the Meghalaya government, is one of the most ambitious tourism plans in the Northeast. The project, with total investment exceeding Rs 650 crore (including Rs 221 crore from DoNER), aims to turn Sohra—a popular hill station—into a multi‑day destination focused on sustainability and local livelihoods.
Key attractions include the Sohra Experience Centre in Kutmadan, built for Rs 115 crore. The centre will showcase Meghalaya’s tribal culture through amphitheatres, rain‑experience parks, art galleries and craft pavilions.
Other developments along the circuit feature the Nohkalikai Falls precinct (Rs 26 crore), Mawsmai Eco Park (Rs 29 crore), Seven Sisters Falls viewpoint, Shella Riverside Development and the Wahkaliar Canyon, which will offer adventure activities such as hot‑air balloon rides.
Together, these projects are expected to increase tourist spending sixfold and generate more than 4,600 direct and indirect jobs.
Improving mobility and trade
Scindia also unveiled several critical infrastructure projects to boost regional mobility and trade. These include:
- Pynursla–Latangriwan–Mawlynnong Road (Rs 29.97 crore) that provides all‑weather access to Asia’s cleanest village, supporting tourism and local trade.
- Mawshynrut–Hahim (Athiabari) Road (Rs 99.76 crore), upgraded to intermediate lane standards to strengthen agricultural links in western Meghalaya.
- A major bridge over the Umngot River on Jongksha–Wahiajer Road (Rs 21.86 crore), improving movement between East Khasi Hills and Jaintia Hills.
Scindia also noted that the runway extension on Umroi Airport and the new Shillong Western Bypass will soon reduce travel time between Guwahati and Sohra to about four hours, bringing the region closer to major tourism and trade hubs.
A vision for the future
“The first smile a tourist sees in Meghalaya should become the first income earned by a local family,” Scindia said, stressing that the Ministry of DoNER is committed to inclusive growth that preserves the state’s natural and cultural wealth.
He said Meghalaya now sits at the confluence of heritage and hope, and that the partnership between the centre and the state, under Modi’s leadership, will make it a connected, confident and competitive region, driving the Northeast toward a Viksit Bharat by 2047.
Source: ianslive
Stay informed on all the latest news, real-time breaking news updates, and follow all the important headlines in world News on Latest NewsX. Follow us on social media Facebook, Twitter(X), Gettr and subscribe our Youtube Channel.
