Shillong–Silchar Greenfield Highway | Northeast India Infrastructure | National Highway Project Updates
The ambitious Shillong–Silchar Greenfield Highway project is set to transform connectivity in Northeast India, with a scheduled completion by the financial year 2029–30. Spanning 168 km, this four-lane expressway with paved shoulders will drastically cut travel time between Shillong (Meghalaya) and Silchar (Assam) from eight hours to just four—a 50% reduction, significantly boosting regional mobility and economic activity.
Key Highlights of the Shillong–Silchar Expressway Project:
- Total Length: 168 km
- States Covered: Meghalaya and Assam
- Target Completion: FY 2029–30
- Estimated Cost: ₹22,864 crore
- Civil Construction Cost: ₹12,087 crore
- Employment Generation: 8.9 million person-days
Strategic Route Alignment
The greenfield corridor will traverse five major districts in Meghalaya—Ri-Bhoi, East Khasi Hills, West Jaintia Hills, and East Jaintia Hills—before entering the Cachar district in Assam. This alignment enhances strategic connectivity between key towns, villages, and economic zones in the Northeast.
Robust Infrastructure Development
The highway will be supported by substantial infrastructure investments, including:
- 18 major bridges
- 150 minor bridges
- 38 viaducts
- 320 box culverts
- 57 underpasses and overpasses
To ensure stability across the hilly terrain, the National Institute of Rock Mechanics (NIRM), Bengaluru, has been tasked with slope protection and geological stabilization measures.
The land acquisition process is currently underway. The Competent Authority for Land Acquisition (CALA) has been officially appointed under Section 3(a) of the National Highways Act, 1956, signaling formal commencement of pre-construction activities.
In a recent Rajya Sabha update, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari confirmed the project’s budget, timeline, and engineering scope.
Regional Impact and Connectivity Boost
This project is a critical part of the government’s push to improve infrastructure in Northeast India. In addition to linking Shillong and Silchar, it will improve access to Mizoram, Manipur, and Tripura via Silchar, a key regional transit hub.
The construction is expected to create nearly 8.9 million person-days of employment, supporting thousands of jobs—both direct and indirect—across the region.
Why This Highway Matters
The Shillong–Silchar Greenfield Highway is more than a road—it’s a lifeline that promises to:
- Reduce logistics and transportation costs
- Improve inter-state trade and commerce
- Enhance tourism potential in Meghalaya and Assam
- Facilitate smoother access to border states and remote areas
