The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the development of a 4-lane Greenfield Access-Controlled Highway between Mawlyngkhung (near Shillong) and Panchgram (near Silchar) under the Hybrid Annuity Mode. The 166.8 km stretch, part of National Highway-06, will be constructed at a capital cost of Rs 228.6 billion (Rs 22,864 crore).

The project will span 144.8 km in Meghalaya and 22 km in Assam, forming a crucial link for economic and logistical movement in the Northeast.

This high-speed corridor will:

• Improve road connectivity between Guwahati and Silchar
• Shorten travel time to Tripura, Mizoram, Manipur, and the Barak Valley
• Enhance logistics efficiency, supporting trade and freight movement

The corridor is expected to spur industrial growth, particularly in cement and coal sectors in Meghalaya, and improve access to Guwahati, Shillong, and Silchar airports, bolstering tourism.

The new alignment will relieve pressure on the existing NH-06 and is designed to integrate with:

• NH-27, NH-106, NH-206, and NH-37
• Cities and junctions including Diengpasoh, Ummulong, Phramer, Khliehriat, Ratachera, Umkiang, and Kalain

It will support inter-city connectivity between Guwahati, Shillong, and Silchar, passing through districts such as Ri Bhoi, East Khasi Hills, West and East Jaintia Hills, and Cachar.

Strategic and Social Benefits:

Upon completion, the project will:

• Improve connectivity to Imphal, Aizawl, and Agartala
• Align with the PM Gati Shakti Master Plan for infrastructure integration
• Promote the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat
• Generate employment for over thousands across five Northeastern states
• Drive inclusive socio-economic development in Meghalaya, Assam, Tripura, Manipur, and Mizoram