Shillong, June 15: Meghalaya is set to witness one of the largest infrastructure transformations in its history, with nearly ₹40,000 crore worth of highway projects announced for the state, Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma said on Monday after Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari laid the foundation stone for six National Highway projects worth ₹3,214 crore in Shillong.
Describing the announcement as a “game changer” for Meghalaya and the Northeast, Sangma said the projects would redefine connectivity, boost tourism and trade, create jobs, and unlock new economic opportunities across the state.
“We are deeply grateful to Union Minister Nitin Gadkari ji for not only laying the foundation for ₹3,214 crore worth of National Highway projects in Meghalaya but also announcing nearly ₹39,800 crore highway projects that will redefine the future of our state and the Northeast,” Sangma said.
Among the major projects announced are the Shillong-Silchar Greenfield Corridor, Jorabat-Umiam (Barapani) High-Speed Corridor, Darugiri-Baghmara-Dalu road connectivity, Shillong-Dawki road expansion, Tura Bypass, and Pynursla Bypass, along with several strategic highway networks.
According to the Chief Minister, the projects are expected to significantly reduce travel time, improve border trade, strengthen tourism infrastructure and generate thousands of livelihood opportunities.
Calling it more than just an infrastructure push, Sangma said the investments would help connect communities, empower farmers and entrepreneurs, and position Meghalaya as a strategic gateway to the Northeast.
“With investments approaching ₹40,000 crore, we are witnessing one of the largest infrastructure transformations in Meghalaya’s history,” he said.
Gadkari said the projects would strengthen connectivity across Meghalaya, particularly in border and tourism areas such as Dawki, Dalu and Sohra, while improving access to healthcare, markets and emergency services in remote regions.
The projects include the Tura Bypass, Dhubri-Phulbari Bridge to Selsella-Simbukolgre road (Package I), Pynursla Bypass on the Shillong-Dawki Road, and the Selsella-Simbukolgre to Goeragre road (Package II). The minister also dedicated the upgraded Shillong-Dawki Road (Package I) and the Jowai Bypass to the nation.
The Pynursla Bypass will decongest the town, speed up tourist travel, and improve connectivity to the Umngot River (Dawki) and the international border. The Jowai Bypass has eased congestion and improved road safety in Jowai. These projects will provide a major boost to international trade and tourism in Dawki, Dalu, and Cherrapunji, while generating large-scale employment and self-employment opportunities.
The Tura Bypass will divert traffic from built-up areas, enabling faster and safer travel to the international border near Dalu. The road from the Dhubri–Phulbari Bridge to Selsella–Simbukolgre will strengthen connectivity across West Garo Hills. The Shillong–Dawki Corridor will enhance cross-border connectivity via Tamabil, ease traffic in Upper Shillong, reduce travel time, and strengthen strategic connectivity.
The Selsella–Simbukolgre–Goeragre road will further improve connectivity in West Garo Hills and link to the upcoming four-lane Dhubri–Phulbari Bridge over the Brahmaputra. These initiatives will also enhance access to healthcare and emergency services in remote areas through improved connectivity to Shillong and Guwahati, while boosting agricultural incomes and promoting traditional crafts such as bamboo and cane work, Eri silk (Ryndia) handloom, and black pottery.
The Union Minister also highlighted the strategic importance of the upcoming Shillong-Dawki Corridor and road links connecting West Garo Hills with the four-lane Dhubri-Phulbari Bridge over the Brahmaputra, describing them as critical to regional trade and economic growth.
Sangma thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Gadkari for what he termed a special infrastructure push for Meghalaya, saying the investments would accelerate the state’s journey towards becoming a major economic and connectivity hub in the Northeast.
Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma described the Northeast as a region entering a new phase of growth and opportunity.
“The opportunities that are no longer available in many developed states are available in the Northeast because those states have already crossed that phase of development,” he said.
Sangma noted that Meghalaya has witnessed strong economic growth in recent years, with the state’s budget doubling over the last eight years and capital expenditure increasing six-fold.
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