The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Wednesday approved a ₹22,864 crore project to build a 166.8 km four-lane greenfield access-controlled highway between Mawlyngkhung in Meghalaya and Panchgram in Assam. The project will be executed under the Hybrid Annuity Mode (HAM).

Out of the total stretch, 144.80 km falls in Meghalaya and 22.00 km in Assam. This high-speed corridor, part of National Highway No. 06, is expected to transform regional connectivity and boost economic activity.

The highway will significantly reduce travel distance and time between Guwahati and Silchar. It will improve access to Tripura, Mizoram, Manipur, and Assam’s Barak Valley, thereby enhancing logistics and reducing transportation costs across the region.

Passing through key cement and coal-producing areas, the highway will support Meghalaya’s industrial growth. It will also improve access to tourist destinations across the Northeast, benefiting travelers arriving via Guwahati, Shillong, and Silchar airports.

The corridor will ease congestion on the existing NH-06 and integrate with major routes like NH-27, NH-106, NH-206, and NH-37. It will pass through important districts such as Ri Bhoi, East Khasi Hills, West and East Jaintia Hills in Meghalaya, and Cachar in Assam.

Key towns including Diengpasoh, Ummulong, Phramer, Khliehriat, Ratacherra, Umkiang, and Kalain will be connected, improving inter-city travel and accessibility.

Aligned with the PM Gati Shakti Master Plan and the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat, this critical project will boost infrastructure, generate employment, and promote socio-economic development across five Northeastern states: Meghalaya, Assam, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura.