Shillong, Nov 1: Union Minister for Communications and Development of North Eastern Regionb( DoNER), Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, on Saturday laid the foundation stone for the Integrated Sohra Circuit Development
The integrated plan by DoNER includes nine key projects designed to enhance visitor experience, promote eco-friendly tourism, and empower local communities. These are: the Sohra Experimental and Cultural Centre (Rs 114.94 crore), development of Nohkhalikai falls and precinct area (Rs 38.98 crore), upgradation of Mawsmai Eco Park (Rs 28.75 crore), Development of Shella Riverside (Rs 13.79 crore), Nohsngithiang falls and streetscape improvement (Rs 11.06 crore), Mawsmai cave precinct improvement (Rs 9.64 crore), Arwah cave improvement (Rs 5.36 crore), Wah rava falls area development (Rs 5.28 crore), and upgradation of Wahkaliar canyon viewpoint (Rs 5.95 crore). Together, these projects aim to create an integrated and eco-friendly tourism circuit that enhances visitor facilities, supports local enterprises, and safeguards Meghalaya’s natural and cultural assets.
Collectively, these projects are expected to increase tourist spending sixfold, while generating over 4,600 direct and indirect employment opportunities.
The scheme under the Prime Minister’s Development Initiative for North Eastern Region (PM-DevINE) was launched in the presence of Chief Minister Conrad Sangma, senior state officials, and tourism stakeholders.
Speaking on the occasion, Scindia said that over Rs 6.2 lakh crore has been channelled into the region through the 10% Gross Budgetary Support policy, fostering connectivity, enterprise, and empowerment across sectors. Meghalaya, he said, has been one of the foremost beneficiaries of this renewed focus, achieving 12–16% growth in the post-COVID years through targeted investments in infrastructure, air connectivity, and tourism.
Scindia highlighted landmark projects such as the 166.8 km Shillong–Silchar Greenfield Expressway (Rs 22,864 crore) and the expansion of Umroi Airport to accommodate larger aircraft, enabling a sharp rise in annual flight operations. The New Shillong City project, he added, will emerge as a “smart-green township” and a knowledge hub for the Northeast.
The Integrated Sohra Circuit, conceptualised jointly by the Ministry of DoNER and the Meghalaya government, represents one of the most ambitious tourism initiatives in the Northeast. With total investments exceeding Rs 650 crore, including more than Rs 221 crore under DoNER, the project aims to transform Sohra into a multi-day experiential tourism destination rooted in sustainability and local livelihoods.
The Sohra Experience Centre at Kutmadan will serve as the cultural nucleus of the circuit, showcasing Meghalaya’s diverse tribal heritage through amphitheatres, rain experience parks, art galleries, and craft pavilions.
Alongside the tourism circuit, several critical infrastructure projects were inaugurated to enhance regional mobility and trade. These include – Pynursla–Latangriwan–Mawlynnong Road (Rs 29.97 crore), which will provide all-weather access to cleanest village and boost cross-border tourism and local trade; Mawshynrut–Hahim (Athiabari) Road (Rs 99.76 crore), upgraded to intermediate lane standards, strengthening agricultural connectivity in western Meghalaya; and foundation stone for a major bridge over the Umngot river on the Jongksha–Wahiajer Road (Rs 21.86 crore), linking East Khasi Hills and Jaintia Hills for better movement of people and goods.
Scindia also highlighted that the Umroi Airport runway extension 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.
Scindia emphasised that the Sohra Circuit will ensure that the first smile a tourist sees in Meghalaya becomes the first income earned by a local family. Skill development programmes in collaboration with the Meghalaya Skills Development Society and IHM Shillong are already underway to train local youth in hospitality, safety management, and eco-tourism practices.
confidence that the synergy between the Centre and the State under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi will make Meghalaya a connected, confident, and competitive State leading the Northeast’s journey toward Viksit Bharat @2047.
Prominent dignitaries present at the event included Timothy D. Shira, Minister of Tourism; Wailadmiki Shylla, Minister of Sports; Sanbor Shullai, Minister of Arts and Culture; Gavin Mylliemngap, MLA Sohra; Titos Chyne, MDC Sohra; Balajied Synrem, MLA Shella; and Barikor Synrem, MDC Shella.
Earlier in the day, the Minister undertook a two-hour hike through Rangthylliang, home to the world’s longest living root bridge spanning over 50 meters. Experiencing Meghalaya’s Jingkieng Jri firsthand, the Minister reflected on the harmony between nature and human ingenuity, a true testament to sustainable living and the resilience nurtured over centuries.
Guided by local experts, the visit also included an interaction on the traditional practices of weaving and maintaining the living root bridges, showcasing how community wisdom continues to uphold ecological balance and preserve rich cultural heritage.
The Minister also visited the Mushroom Development Centre in Upper Shillong, where innovative local initiatives are empowering farmers, creating livelihoods and driving self-reliant, sustainable growth across the North East. The Minister underscored the region’s enduring spirit of enterprise and its commitment to eco-conscious development.
