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Shillong, Nov 1 (IANS) Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the last decade has marked a period of transformation for the Northeast, transforming it from a “land-locked” region to a “land-locked powerhouse”, Union Minister for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) Jyotiraditya Scindia said on Saturday.
He underlined that over Rs 6.2 lakh crore has been channeled into the region through the 10 per cent gross budgetary support policy, thereby promoting connectivity, enterprise and empowerment across sectors.
Scindia on Saturday laid the foundation stone of integrated Sohra Circuit development under the Prime Minister’s North Eastern Region Development Initiative (PM-DeWine) scheme and launched several donor projects worth over Rs 300 crore in the presence of Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma.
Meghalaya has been one of the foremost beneficiaries of this new focus, achieving 12-16 per cent growth in the post-COVID years through targeted investments in infrastructure, air connectivity and tourism, the DoNER minister said.
Scindia highlighted landmark projects like the 166.8 km long Shillong-Silchar Greenfield Expressway (Rs 22,864 crore) and expansion of Umroi airport to accommodate larger aircraft, which led to a sharp increase in annual flight operations.
He said the New Shillong City project will emerge as a “smart-green township” and a knowledge hub for the North-East.
Speaking on the occasion, Scindia described Meghalaya as “heaven on earth, an abode of clouds and cascading waterfalls, where every breeze smells of dignity, faith and freedom to progress” and reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of the Government of India to pursue responsible, inclusive and heritage-based tourism in the entire North Eastern region.
The integrated Sohra Circuit, jointly conceptualized by the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region and the Government of Meghalaya, represents one of the most ambitious tourism initiatives in the North-East.
With a total investment of over Rs 650 crore, including Rs 221 crore under the DoNER Ministry, the project aims to transform Sohra into a multi-day experiential tourism destination based on sustainability and local livelihoods.
The Sohra Experience Center at Kutamdan, which is being developed at an investment of Rs 115 crore, will serve as the cultural hub of the circuit, showcasing the diverse tribal heritage of Meghalaya through an amphitheatre, Varsha Experience Park, art galleries and craft pavilions.
Supporting projects include Nohkalikai Falls Enclave (Rs 26 crore), Mawsammai Eco Park (Rs 29 crore), Seven Sisters Falls Viewpoint, Shela Riverside Development and Wahkali Canyon with adventure tourism facilities like hot air balloon ride.
Collectively, these projects are expected to increase tourist spending six-fold, while creating more than 4,600 direct and indirect employment opportunities.
Along with the tourism circuit, several important infrastructure projects were inaugurated to enhance regional mobility and trade. These include the Pinursala-Latangriwan-Mawlinong Road (Rs 29.97 crore), Mawshinrut-Hahim (Athiyabari) Road (Rs 99.76 crore), providing all-weather access to Asia’s cleanest village and promoting cross-border tourism and local trade, upgraded to intermediate lane standards, strengthening agricultural connectivity in Western Meghalaya and the foundation stone of a major bridge over the Umngot River. Dzongkha-Wahiyajer Road (Rs 21.86 crore) connecting East Khasi Hills and Jaintia Hills for better movement of people and goods.
Scindia also highlighted that the runway extension of Umroi airport and the new Shillong Western Bypass will soon reduce the travel time between Guwahati and Seohara by about four hours, bringing the region closer to major tourism and business hubs.
The minister emphasized that the Sohra Circuit will ensure that “the first smile a tourist sees in Meghalaya becomes the first income earned by a local family.”
He reiterated that the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region is committed to creating an inclusive growth path that preserves the natural and cultural wealth of the State while ensuring sustainable livelihood for the people of the State.
“Meghalaya today stands at the confluence of heritage and hope. These projects are not just about building infrastructure; they are about building the future,” Scindia said.
He expressed confidence that the synergy between the Center and the State under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi will make Meghalaya a connected, confident and competitive state, leading the North-East’s journey towards a Developed India @2047.
–IANS
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